1. The Elizabethan Government Flashcards
Which Mary was Elizabeth’s half sister?
Mary I (Bloody Mary)
Which Mary was Elizabeth’s cousin?
Mary QoS
Why was Elizabeth illegitimate- what did this mean for her?
Catholics didn’t recognise Henry VIII’s divorce and then marriage to Anne Boleyn.
She had no claim to the throne
What religion was Elizabeth?
Protestant
When did Elizabeth become queen
November 1558
When was Elizabeth’s coronation
15th January 1559
Ways Elizabeth maintained popularity
Public relations- Education, portraits, royal progresses,
What was Elizabeth’s education like
She was well read, could read 5 languages (including Latin and Greek). She studied theology- was keen to avoid religious disputes
What were portraits of Elizabeth like and why were they important
It was important for her subjects to see her.
Portraits put Elizabeth in a positive light. Themes included: majestic, immortal, youthful, wise, powerful and virgin.
What were royal progresses and why were they important
Annual tours around the south of England (mainly Home Counties) in which Elizabeth’s subjects could see her.
She visited and stayed in stately homes of the nobility- it was the highest honour to be bestowed upon the rich
What was patronage and why did nobles sought after it from the queen
Patronage was when nobles would give the queen their support in return for titles, land etc. nobles would work to impress the queen
How did Elizabeth use patronage to her advantage
As a result of patronages, factions were formed within the royal court (e.g William Cecil vs Robert Dudley).
Elizabeth could play one faction off against another, allowing her to maintain her control
What was the privy council
A body of advisors appointed by the queen and in charge of the day to day running of the country (they were her government)
What did the local government do
Helped maintain law and order on a local level across the counties, in towns and parishes
Who was the Lord Lieutenant? How many per county and who did they supervise?
The chief of the local officials. He was a wealthy land owner and often a privy councillor.
One per county and they supervised the work of the JPs
Who were the Justice of the Peace (JP)? How many per county? Examples of their roles?
Wealthy country gentlemen responsible for maintaining the law and order on a local level on a daily basis.
Depending on size of county, there were 30-60
They were justices (judges) in courts for minor crimes, they oversaw the maintenance of highways, and they administered poor relief to the unemployed .
Did JPs receive any money for their role?
No but it did award them with status and respect in their region
Who were the lesser officers? What did they do?
Supported the work of the JP. Appointed by him too
Included: Parish Constable, Night Watchman, Overseers of the poor
How many Sheriffs per county? What were his responsibilities?
1 per county, most of his responsibilities were now passed onto Lord Lieutenant or JP.
The sheriff was responsible for completing the documents to set up apprenticeships for young boys, fix prices and wages, and look after the poor.
Who was the parish constable? What did he do?
The Parish Constable was a lesser officer. He was a tradesman or local farmer and held the unpaid post for constable for 1 year. Worked with the night watchman. Together, they were responsible for watching vagabonds, keeping order in taverns(pubs), carry out punishments, impound stray animals and prevent trespassers and poachers.
Who was the Night Watchman? What did he do?
Another lesser officer who worked alongside the Parish Constable, patrolling the parish or town at night. Together, they were responsible for watching vagabonds, keeping order in taverns(pubs), carry out punishments, impound stray animals and prevent trespassers and poachers.
Who were the overseers of the poor?
Another lesser officer, he collected the poor rate (tax) and distributed it to those who needed it.
When did Elizabeth call parliament?
When she was short of money and needed revenue from taxes(e.g war with Spain),
Needed to pass Acts of Parliament (E.g religious settlement acts),
Or desired the support and advice of the MPs and Lords on important issues(e.g how to deal with the catholic plots).
What topics were banned in parliament
Elizabeth’s marriage and
