The establishment of constitutional monarchy, 1678–1702 (A-level only) common mistakes

Common mistakes

• Confusing the Exclusion Crisis with the Glorious Revolution

  Students often conflate the aims and outcomes of the Exclusion Crisis with those of the Glorious Revolution.

  Fix itClarify that the Exclusion Crisis was primarily about preventing James II's accession, while the Glorious Revolution resulted in his overthrow and the establishment of constitutional monarchy.

• Confusing the Glorious Revolution with the English Civil War

  Students often conflate the two events, thinking they were the same.

  Fix itThe Glorious Revolution (1688) was a bloodless overthrow of James II, while the English Civil War (1642-1651) was a conflict between Parliamentarians and Royalists.

• Confusing Whigs and Tories

  Students often mix up the ideologies and roles of the Whigs and Tories.

  Fix itClearly distinguish the Whigs as advocates for parliamentary power and the Tories as supporters of royal authority.

• Confusing the Act of Toleration with earlier legislation

  Students often confuse the Act of Toleration (1689) with the Test Act (1673), thinking both allowed for broad religious freedoms.

  Fix itRemember that the Act of Toleration specifically allowed Nonconformists to worship freely, while the Test Act restricted officeholding to Anglicans.

• Confusing the roles of Whigs and Tories

  Students often mix up the ideologies and roles of the Whigs and Tories during this period.

  Fix itRemember that Whigs supported parliamentary power and the Tories were more aligned with royal authority.

• Confusing the Act of Settlement with the Bill of Rights

  Students often mix up the significance of these two acts.

  Fix itRemember that the Act of Settlement specifically addressed succession, while the Bill of Rights focused on limiting royal power.