edmund burke reflections on the revolution in france explained

They followed the principles which prevailed in the Declaration of Right, indicating with more precision the persons who were to inherit in the Protestant line. Did they this second time make any provision for legalizing the crown on the spurious revolution principles of the Old Jewry? No. On the prospect of a total failure of issue from King William, and from the Princess, afterwards Queen Anne, the consideration of the settlement of the crown and of a further security for the liberties of the people again came before the legislature. A few years after this period, a second opportunity offered for asserting a right of election to the crown.You will observe that these rights and this succession are declared in one body and bound indissolubly together. It is called, 'An Act for declaring the rights and liberties of the subject, and for settling the succession of the crown'. 2) is the cornerstone of our constitution as reinforced, explained, improved, and in its fundamental principles for ever settled. This Declaration of Right (the act of the 1st of William and Mary, sess. In that most wise, sober, and considerate declaration, drawn up by great lawyers and great statesmen, and not by warm and inexperienced enthusiasts, not one word is said, nor one suggestion made, of a general right 'to choose our own governors, to cashier them for misconduct, and to form a government for ourselves'. If the principles of the Revolution of 1688 are anywhere to be found, it is in the statute called the Declaration of Right.But whatever kings might have been here or elsewhere a thousand years ago, or in whatever manner the ruling dynasties of England or France may have begun, the king of Great Britain is, at this day, king by a fixed rule of succession according to the laws of his country and whilst the legal conditions of the compact of sovereignty are performed by him (as they are performed), he holds his crown in contempt of the choice of the Revolution Society. There is ground enough for the opinion that all the kingdoms of Europe were, at a remote period, elective, with more or fewer limitations in the objects of choice. At some time or other, to be sure, all the beginners of dynasties were chosen by those who called them to govern.I flatter myself that I love a manly, moral, regulated liberty as well as any gentleman of that society, be he who he will and perhaps I have given as good proofs of my attachment to that cause in the whole course of my public conduct.Reflections on the Revolution in France is a 1790 work by the Irish Whig MP and political philosopher Edmund Burke.

Edmund burke reflections on the revolution in france explained