ABSTRACT
The Bill of Rights was a pioneer, showing the way towards the formulation of comprehensive instruments defining political powers. There is no prescribed limit to what the Crown may do; safeguards against arbitrary or oppressive actions are provided instead by expectations of restraint. It began with a declaration that some of James IPs actions had been subversive of 'the laws and liberties of this kingdom'; and 'utterly and directly contrary to the known laws and statutes and freedom of this realm'. On the other hand it did not attempt to destroy sovereign power; provided that there was agreement between the Crown and Parliament it set no limits to what these two agencies together could do. By 1800 it could be said that there was a convention that she should act on the advice of ministers, and that she should appoint to ministerial offices only persons who were acceptable to Parliament.
