Question

Arrange the following historical milestones in the evolution of human rights and constitutional order in their correct ascending chronological sequence:
• The Bill of Rights (England)
• The Magna Carta
• The Glorious Revolution
• The Petition of Right

• A. \( 2 \rightarrow 4 \rightarrow 3 \rightarrow 1 \)
• B. \( 4 \rightarrow 2 \rightarrow 1 \rightarrow 3 \)
• C. \( 2 \rightarrow 1 \rightarrow 4 \rightarrow 3 \)
• D. \( 1 \rightarrow 3 \rightarrow 2 \rightarrow 4 \)

Hint:

When sorting English constitutional history, remember that the Magna Carta is always the earliest foundational anchor point (13th Century), while the Bill of Rights finalized the transition to a constitutional monarchy at the tail end of the 17th Century.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The evolution of human rights and constitutional order is a narrative of shifting power from absolute monarchs to the people and their representatives.
This question focuses on the British constitutional tradition, which serves as the foundation for many democratic systems worldwide, including India's.
Understanding these milestones requires knowing the specific century and socio-political context of each event.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
To arrange these milestones, we must identify their exact historical dates:
1. The Magna Carta (1215): This "Great Charter" was signed by King John of England at Runnymede under pressure from rebellious barons.
It was the first document to publicly declare that the King was not above the law and established the principle of due process and trial by jury.
It serves as the 13th-century anchor point for all subsequent human rights developments.
2. The Petition of Right (1628): Nearly four centuries later, the English Parliament sent this statement of civil liberties to King Charles I.
It was a reaction to the King's arbitrary taxes and forced loans.
The document asserted that no taxes could be levied without Parliament's consent and that no subject could be imprisoned without cause.
3. The Glorious Revolution (1688): This was the political event that saw the overthrow of King James II and the ascension of William of Orange.
It is termed "Glorious" because it established the supremacy of Parliament over the Crown without large-scale bloodshed.
It created the political framework that allowed the Bill of Rights to be drafted immediately afterward.
4. The Bill of Rights (1689): Enacted in late 1689, this formal statute established the rights of Parliament, including freedom of speech in the legislature and frequent elections.
It finalized the transition from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The chronological order is: 1215 (2) $\rightarrow$ 1628 (4) $\rightarrow$ 1688 (3) $\rightarrow$ 1689 (1).
This sequence corresponds to the pattern 2 $\rightarrow$ 4 $\rightarrow$ 3 $\rightarrow$ 1.
Therefore, the correct option is (A).