What was the purpose of the Acts of Union?

The purpose of the Acts of Union was to unify England and Scotland, which were previously separate kingdoms. This legislative action, enacted in 1707, resulted in the formation of a single kingdom known as Great Britain. The two nations had distinct laws, parliaments, and practices, and the Acts aimed to create a more cohesive political entity, facilitating not only governance but also economic collaboration and security cooperation.

By merging their parliaments, England and Scotland agreed to share representation and work together within a unified framework, which helped streamline decision-making and fostered a sense of shared national identity. This union laid the groundwork for the future development of the British state and its expansion, particularly regarding the later incorporation of Ireland and other territories into what would become the United Kingdom.

While the Acts of Union certainly had implications for parliamentary powers, as they did involve changes in governance, the primary aim was the unification of the two countries, making that the most accurate choice.