Final answer:
English Protestants were terrified of James II's open support for Catholicism and his potential to impose absolutism on England.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the brief rule of King James II, many English Protestants were terrified of his open support for Catholicism and his intentions to impose absolutism on England.
James II appointed Roman Catholics to positions of power, which alarmed his opponents, as they feared it would lead to the destruction of the laws and the independence of Parliament.
Additionally, the potential for a Catholic heir to the throne threatened English Protestants, who did not want a Catholic monarchy with absolute power.