William & Mary

Definition

William & Mary refers to the reign of William III and Mary II of England, who ruled jointly after the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Their rule marked significant changes in governance and civil liberties, laying the groundwork for the establishment of constitutional monarchy and influencing the development of public spaces and civic institutions in colonial America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The reign of William & Mary is notable for the establishment of the Bill of Rights in 1689, which limited royal power and laid out individual rights.
2. William & Mary's ascension marked a shift towards greater parliamentary power and reduced the influence of absolute monarchy in England.
3. Their rule influenced colonial governance in America, encouraging the development of local assemblies and public spaces for civic engagement.
4. The College of William & Mary was established in 1693 as a direct result of their reign, emphasizing education and civic responsibility.
5. William & Mary’s commitment to toleration paved the way for greater religious freedom in both England and its colonies, affecting community structures.

Review Questions

• How did the Glorious Revolution set the stage for William & Mary's rule and influence on governance?
  • The Glorious Revolution was crucial as it led to the overthrow of King James II, establishing William III and Mary II as co-sovereigns. This transition was significant because it introduced constitutional limits on monarchical power through the Bill of Rights. By securing parliamentary sovereignty over royal authority, their rule encouraged democratic principles that would later be reflected in colonial governance.
• In what ways did William & Mary contribute to the development of public spaces and civic institutions in colonial America?
  • William & Mary's reign promoted local governance through colonial charters that empowered assemblies to create laws. This laid the groundwork for civic institutions that fostered community engagement. Their emphasis on education led to institutions like the College of William & Mary, which played a role in shaping public discourse and civic responsibility among colonists.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of William & Mary's rule on American political development, especially regarding civil liberties and governance.
  • William & Mary's establishment of constitutional monarchy had profound long-term effects on American political development. The principles embodied in the Bill of Rights inspired revolutionary ideas regarding individual rights and government accountability. Their focus on civil liberties paved the way for democratic ideals that would be foundational during America's own revolution, leading to a government structure based on the consent of the governed and protection against tyranny.

Related terms

Glorious Revolution: A revolution that resulted in the overthrow of King James II and the ascension of William III and Mary II to the English throne, establishing a constitutional monarchy.

Constitutional Monarchy: A form of government where a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government, limiting their powers and ensuring civil rights.

Colonial Charters: Documents granted by the English crown that outlined the rights and privileges of colonies, influencing their governance and civic institutions.