AS FP1 : Government, councils, parliament + justice Flashcards
Government under Henry VII - Conceptual Awarness
What is a personal monarchy?
A personal monarchy is a system in which the crown’s power is not limited by a constitution or a parliament, and the monarch rules based on their own will and prerogatorive.
An individual’s power within government depended on their relationship with the king.
Government under Henry VII
Describe the ‘Council’ under Henry VII.
Henry ruled through the council, issuing decrees and proclomations, usually only consulting the inner-core of his council.
A constant stream of messages, orders and reports flowed from the counsel to the Justices of the Peace who controlled the localities.
They advised him, they administered the realm on the king’s behalf, and they made legal judgements.
Through this Council Henry centralised government, bringing more of the government under his direct control.
Method of consolidisation and securing the dynasty in long term.
Government under Henry VII
How many councillors were recording as attending the council during Henry’s reign? Was this true for day-to-day administration?
Around 227 men are recording as having attended the council during Henry’s reign. In practice, however, Henry VII’s actual working council was a much smaller affair with six or seven ministers.
Centralisation of government
Government under Henry VII
What were the three main types of councillor? Can you provide examples for each of these?
The three main types of councillor were :
Nobles, e.g Daubeney and Dynham.
Churchmen, e.g Morton and Fox.
Laymen, e.g Reginald Bray and Dudley.
By including administrative professionals in his council, Henry improved its efficiency ; in this way he secured his position and was able to rely less on the nobility.
Government under Henry VII
Describe the function of the Great Council under Henry VII.
The Great Council was a gathering of the House of Lords without the House of Commons, it had no defined function and was an occassional rather than a permanent body. It only met 5 times throughout Henry’s reign and usually concerned itself with war, rebellion and national security.
Government under Henry VII - Council Learned in Law
What was the Council Learned in Law? When was it fully established by?
The Council Learned in Law was an offshoot of the council that exploited the system of bonds and recognisances in order to maintain the King’s revenue and ensure his pregatorive rights.
It was created under Reginald Bray, headed by Empson and Dudley, and was fully established by 1495.
Government under Henry VII - Council Learned in Law
Why was the Council Learned in law so hated?
The Council Learned in Law was so hated as,
- It was not a recognised court of law and therefore there was no right of appeal against it.
- It acted alone outside of parliament.
- It was headed by 2 members of the gentry and harassed members of the nobility,
- Extorted the nobility through unpopular methods.
Government under Henry VII - Council Learned in Law
How many illegal cases of extortion were there under the Council Learned in Law?
There was 84 accounts of illegal extortion under the Council Learned.
