Whig Parliament

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A Whig Parliament is any parliament in England with a majority of Whig members.

Starting around 1660, during the time of the Cavalier Parliament, England's Whig and Tory parties developed, marking a clear distinction in views and beliefs. The Whigs tended to be liberal and in favour of religious tolerance (specifically, being able to choose a religion other than Anglicanism). The party originally consisted of Puritans and members of the middle class. The Tories tended to be conservative and supportive of Anglicanism. They consisted mostly of the gentry and Anglicans.

[edit] Specific Whig Parliaments

[edit] 1679

Perhaps the most famous of the Whig Parliaments was this one. Major issues were limiting the Monarch's power. This was primarily because the Monarch at the time, Charles II, was pro-Catholic. The Habeas Corpus Act did this, as well as provide an important base for legislation today.