The Exclusion Crisis (jan 1, 1679 – jan 1, 1681)

Description:

- three Exclusion bills sought to exclude the King's brother and heir presumptive, James, Duke of York, from the thrones of England, Scotland and Ireland because he was Roman Catholic
- None became law
- Two new parties formed
- Tories were opposed to this exclusion (ie. supported the monarch's right to the throne) while the "Country Party", who were soon to be called the Whigs, supported it (ie. were against Catholic James)