Changes in governance at the centre - The relationship between the church and the state Flashcards
What important powers had parliament developed by the Tudor period?
Parliament had the sole right to grant taxation and to pass laws. Not involved in day to day gov.
What power did the king have to restrict?
Could veto any laws passed by parliament. Could summon and dismiss parliament at will. Summoned when wanted tax.
How was parliament organised?
Two chambers - unelected House of Lords (hereditary peers and bishops) and House of Commons (MPs) Each country had 2MPs, some towns had 1
What were the voting qualifications and how were laws passed?
Had to own property that generated 40 shillings per year to vote. Little competition for MP positions. Bills had to be heard in HOL and HOC for it to be passed
What tensions arose overtime between parliament and the crown?
Over taxation, finance, religion and royal succession.
In what circumstances was Henry VII forced to call parliament?
Periodically due to needs for grants of tax to fund wars for defence of the country from invasion
How often did Henry VII call parliament?
Prefered not to have ambitious foreign policy so infrequently called parliament. 7 times in his reign. Last meeting in 1504 due to England at peace
What example is there of parliament challenging Henry VII’s right to taxation?
1504 wouldn’t grant full sum he needed
How did Henry VIII’s first parliament enhance his claim to be king?
Acknowledged his right to the throne and passed acts of attainder
How often did parliament meet in early years of Henry VIII’s reign?
- Only 4 times between 1509-1529
- Henry VIII wanted to prove himself on international stage
Examples of parliament blocking Henry and Wolsey’s plans?
- 1523 Wolsey’s taxation request denied as it already totalled £260,000
- MPs were landowners so feared taxation
What changed the relationship between the church and state in 1529?
When Henry wanted an annulment from his marriage with Catherine
How was the church structured prior to 1529?
Enormously powerful - grew in wealth and influence. Pope was head of the church, appointed senior churchmen - cardinals, archbishops and bishops reflecting views of monarch
What role did the church play in local communities pre 1529?
Children baptised into church and went through conformation of Christian faith. Performed marriages and funerals. Key source of charity, cared for sick and elderly
What did the church teach pre 1529?
That heaven, hell and purgatory were real places. Preached that souls could be cleansed through good works, confessing sins, praying and going on pilgrimages
How often did people have to go to church and what would happen if they didn’t?
Had to go to church regularly. Services were in latin. Monitored and sensored ideas, would prosecute heretics. Being guilty of heresey = burnt at stae.
How could the church be a route to power?
Offered opportunities to learn to read and write and go to uni. TW began as a butcher but recieved church education and became chief minister of Henry VIII
How widespread was anticlericalism before 1529?
People believed the church should be poor, priests were supposed to be humble, criticised corruption, exploitation of people’s fear of the fate of their souls. Seen as out of touch.
What evidence is there that the church was popular before 1529?
- Wealthiest in society left money in their will to pay for priests to pray for their souls
- Vast landed estates, biggest landowner
- Held traditions and festivals
- People continued to make contributions to the church