A VINDICATION OF THE RIGHTS OF THE COMMONS OF ENGLAND. BY A MEMBER OF THE HONOURABLE THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

[Mackworth, Humphrey]

Published by Printed, and are to be sold by J. Nutt, London, 1701

About this Item

[12], 40pp. Folio, disbound. Light waterstains, a few small old ink spots on outer leaves, else text clean. Very Good. Mackworth argues that the Commons "have a discretionary power in the prosecution of impeachments" that is inviolable by the House of Lords and the Crown and essential to the protection of English liberties. A Whig, concerned that the "Happy Constitution of the Establish'd Government" be protected from encroachments by King and Lords, he urges "a Prudent Distribution of Power, in the Original Frame and Constitution of the Government," among "Three Branches of the Supreme Authority." This constitutional essay on separation of powers, and limitations on the authority of rulers, expresses the Whig ideology that would, later in the century, influence colonial American thinking in the direction of independence. FIRST EDITION. Goldsmiths' 3845. ESTC T50902.

Seller Inventory # 23717

Bibliographic Details

• Title: A VINDICATION OF THE RIGHTS OF THE COMMONS OF ENGLAND. BY A MEMBER OF THE HONOURABLE THE HOUSE OF COMMONS
• Publisher: Printed, and are to be sold by J. Nutt, London
• Publication Date: 1701
• Seller catalogs:
  • LAW
  • AMERICANA
  • ENGLAND