Final answer:
King James II sought to expand royal power and promote religious tolerance for Catholics, which led to fears of an absolute Catholic monarchy and his overthrow.
Step-by-step explanation:
King James II attempted to expand royal power and promote religious tolerance for Roman Catholics during his reign from 1685 to 1688. He aimed to centralize English political strength around the throne, mimicking the absolute monarchy of his cousin, French King Louis XIV. James II's efforts included appointing Catholics to high positions and suspending laws that limited Catholic power, such as the Test Act of 1673. His measures alarmed his subjects as they feared the establishment of a Catholic absolute monarchy, which ultimately led to his overthrow in the Glorious Revolution.