The English and American Bills of Rights may appear to be two distinct writings, yet they both embody government rules. Learn about some of the most noteworthy parallels and distinctions between these two classic works.
Consider yourself an Englishman residingin Boston in 1775. You think that the English Bill of Rights applies to you as an Englishman.
According to the Bill, levying money ''for or to the use of the Crown'' without the authorization of Parliament i prohibited. Because you and other colonies ar taxed but not represented in the English Parliament, you feel you should have your own MPs.
It is breach of your rights as an Englishman if you do not have them. As a result of this breach, you support American independence in the next Revolutionary War.
After the war, when the Americans obtain fredom, you want to make it obvious that you have rights as an American, not as an Englishman. As a result, you endorse the AmericanBill of Rights.
English Bill of Rights:
The English Bill of Rights was established in 1689, and the American Bill of Rights was established in 1789.Because it was written so much later, the English had a signficant impact on the American Bill of Rights.
So, to begin, consider the English Bill of Rights, which was drafted during the Glorious Revolution, which deposed King James II and substituted him with his daughter Maryand her husband William of Orange.
American Bill of Rights:
The American Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution in response to worries that the federal government would wield too much authority and to clarify that certain rights and powers belonged to either the people or the states.
Some of Americas founding fathers sought to make it clear that they were not federal government rights.
Similarities:
Both Bills of Rights mirrred the English philosopher John Locke's influence.
Locke discussed the social compact, or the assumption that individuals have handed up part of their liberties to the government in order to maintain their remaining liberties.
Individuals may revolt against the government under the social compact if it acted against its citizens, and all citizens had a right to life, liberty, and estate, according to Locke.
Locke's effect on the English Bill of Rights is mostly visible in the development of constitutional constraints on rulers.
Differences:
The English Bill of Rights,on the other hand, deals with the subject of determining who becomes the monarch in command of the country, but the American Bill of Rights does not.
As a republic, the United States saw no necessity to incorporate this.
So, both English and American Bills of Rights share roots in John Locke's ideas, emphasizing citizens' rights, but differ in monarchical focus.