1. The Political Nation Flashcards
What was the Political Nation?
People in Early Modern Britain with economic, political and social influence.
Who was the head of the Political Nation?
The monarch.
What powers did royal prerogative give the monarch?
Foreign diplomacy, declaration of war, religion, calling and dissolving Parliament.
What were the main forms of Crown income?
Crown lands, customs duties, feudal dues, parliamentary subsidies.
Why did the English political system have a ‘blurred nature’?
There was no written constitution.
What groups comprised the Political Nation?
Aristocracy, lesser gentry, lawyers and merchants.
What was the social basis of the Political Nation’s power?
The idea of the Great Chain of Being.
Who were the Privy Council?
Body of royal advisors, chosen by the King.
Name four county-level officials.
Justice of peace, lord, sheriff, assize judge.
Name four parish-level officials.
Constable, churchwarden, overseers, town officials.
What was the Court of Chancery?
An equity-based court based on fairness, not law.
What were the responsibilities of county-level Lords?
Raised local militia units in times of war.
What were the responsibilities of parish-level constables?
To keep law and order in the community, resolve land disputes and collect taxes in small villages.
