the english bill of rights declared that each member of parliament had the right to
The English Bill of Rights declared that each member of Parliament had the right to
Answer:
The English Bill of Rights, passed in 1689, is a fundamental document that laid down limits on the powers of the crown and set out the rights of Parliament and rules for the freedom of speech within parliamentary proceedings. Specifically, it declared numerous key rights and liberties including the following rights pertinent to members of Parliament:
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Freedom of Speech in Parliament:
- The Bill of Rights ensured that the members of Parliament could speak freely during parliamentary debates without fear of retribution. This freedom is encapsulated in the phrase “freedom of speech and debates or proceedings in Parliament ought not to be impeached or questioned in any court or place out of Parliament”.
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Regular Sessions of Parliament:
- The Bill stipulated that Parliament should have free access to regular sessions, countering any monarchical attempt to suspend or interfere with its meetings.
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Fair Elections:
- It reinforced the necessity of free elections, ensuring that members are elected to Parliament without undue influence or interference.
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Consent for Taxation and Legislation:
- The Bill addressed the requirement that no taxes could be levied and no laws could be made without the consent of Parliament, affirming members’ roles in legislative and fiscal matters.
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Redress of Grievances:
- Members of Parliament secured the right to seek redress for their constituents’ grievances without fear of being dismissed or persecuted by the reigning monarch.
Breakdown of Key Sections:
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Freedom of Speech and Debates in Parliament:
“That the Freedom of Speech, and Debates or Proceedings in Parliament, ought not to be impeached or questioned in any Court or Place out of Parliament.” -
Legislation and Taxation:
"By requiring the consent of the Parliament for the levying of money for the use of the Crown under royal prerogative; this to prevent corruption or autocratic rule.” -
Elections and Sessions:
“That election of members of Parliament ought to be free;" and “For redress of grievances, and for the amending, strengthening and preserving of the laws, Parliament ought to be held frequently.”
Final Answer:
The English Bill of Rights declared that each member of Parliament had the right to free speech within parliamentary proceedings, ensuring freedom from being questioned or impeached outside of Parliament for their debates or proceedings. Additionally, it upheld the right to regular parliamentary sessions, free elections, and the consent of Parliament for taxation and legislation.