An assessment of the significance of changes brought about by the Revolution Settlement, 1688-1702

The Constitutional Impact

The Bill of Rights: This pivotal document affirmed parliamentary supremacy over the monarchy, curtailing the sovereign’s power. It barred any Catholic from becoming king or queen and required the monarch to consult with Parliament regularly.
Act of Settlement: In 1701, this act further solidified the Protestant succession by determining that after the heirs of William III and Anne, the crown would pass to Protestant descendants of Sophia of Hanover.
Triennial Act: This act, also passed in 1694, mandated that general elections for Parliament must be held at least every three years.

Toleration Act: Enacted in 1689, this bill allowed freedom of worship to Nonconformists, although they were not permitted to hold political office.
Establishment of the Church of England: While allowing some degree of tolerance, the act also confirmed the position of the Church of England as the established church, strengthening Anglicanism as the national religion.

Standing Army: The revolution settlement confirmed the control of the standing army under Parliament, thereby neutralising it as a tool of potential monarchical tyranny. King William III had to request money from Parliament for maintaining the army.
Creation of Bank of England: The Bank of England was created to finance war debts, making it one of the first central banks in history. Its establishment was a significant socio-economic change.

Mutual Recognition with Scotland: The 1701 Act of Settlement was recognised by Scotland in the Act of Security, establishing greater cooperation between the neighbouring nations.
Tensions with Ireland: The policy of penal laws against Catholics in Ireland denoted England’s continued antagonism with Ireland, reflecting the complex religious and political challenges of the revolutionary settlement.

Growth of Political Parties: The rise of political parties, specifically the Tories and Whigs, can be attributed to the leadership contests and ideological divisions precipitated by the Revolution Settlement.
Development of a Free Press: Following the Revolution, restraints on the press were lifted leading to the spread of newspapers and political pamphlets contributing to an informed populace and facilitating political discourse.