What was the significance of the English Bill of Rights?

The significance of the English Bill of Rights lies in its role in outlining and clarifying the limits of royal power following the Glorious Revolution of 1688. This document was a foundational instrument in establishing parliamentary sovereignty and the rule of law, marking a crucial shift in the balance of power between the monarchy and Parliament. By explicitly stating what the monarchy could and could not do, such as suspending laws or imposing taxes without Parliamentary consent, it laid the groundwork for a constitutional monarchy where the powers of the king or queen were no longer absolute.

The English Bill of Rights also set precedents for individual rights and liberties, influencing later democratic documents, including the U.S. Bill of Rights. This emphasis on limiting power and protecting rights was a significant step towards modern democracy and governance.