Answer:
King James II of England had a strong Catholic religious leaning and a contentious relationship with Parliament. His religious beliefs and his approach to governing were key factors that contributed to his eventual downfall during the Glorious Revolution. Here's an overview of his religious leaning and attitude towards Parliament:
Religious Leaning:
James II was a devout Catholic in a predominantly Protestant country. His conversion to Catholicism in the 1660s caused significant concern among his Protestant subjects, as England had a long history of religious tensions and conflicts between Catholics and Protestants. James was open about his Catholic faith and sought to promote Catholic interests during his reign.
James's Catholicism had a profound influence on his policies and decision-making. He appointed Catholics to high positions in the government, military, and universities, which alarmed the Protestant majority. He also issued a series of proclamations and declarations aimed at promoting religious tolerance, particularly for Catholics, which further heightened fears among Protestants about the potential suppression of their religious liberties.
Attitude towards Parliament:
James II had a strained relationship with Parliament and showed a disregard for its authority. He believed in the divine right of kings, which held that monarchs derived their authority directly from God and were not subject to the will of Parliament or the people.
During his reign, James dissolved Parliament multiple times and ruled through proclamations and arbitrary exercise of power. He sought to govern without the consent of Parliament and made attempts to centralize authority in the monarchy. His actions undermined the principles of constitutional monarchy and raised concerns among the political elite about the erosion of their rights and powers.
James's approach to governing without parliamentary consent and his policies that favored Catholics further alienated Parliament and fueled growing opposition to his rule. His disregard for the role and authority of Parliament contributed to the political crisis that culminated in the Glorious Revolution.
It is important to note that James II's religious leaning and his attitude towards Parliament were closely interconnected. His Catholicism influenced his approach to governance, and his attempts to promote Catholic interests clashed with the predominantly Protestant political and religious establishment, leading to a breakdown in trust and support for his reign.