Chapter 8 - Henry VIII's Government and Parliament Flashcards
How often was Parliament called before 1529?
Only 4 times: 1510, 1512, 1515, and 1523.
Why was conciliar government abandoned?
- Senior councillors were reluctant to support Henry’s war in France
- Henry began to assert his right to control decision-making
- Henry surrounded himself with like-minded young courtiers
- Henry became impressed by Wolsey’s organisational skills
What were Wolsey’s roles?
- Gave the King exactly what he wanted
- Complemented the King’s ‘hand-off approach to policy making
- Gained control of the Privy Chamber in 1919
- Conducted, organised, and reformed the whole legal system
What was the Court of Chancery?
The main court of equity where justice was based on fairness instead of strict common law.
What was the role of the Star Chamber?
Established as an offshoot of the King’s Council, it was the centre of government and justice under Wolsey.
What is a subsidy?
A grant issued by Parliament to the sovereign for State needs.
How did Wolsey improve the collection of extraordinary revenue?
He set up a national committee for direct assessments of wealth instead of using commissioners.
Name 3 of Wolsey’s achievements.
- Established and operated Star Chamber
- Raised funds efficiently for the War against France
- Oversaw the legal system as Lord Chancellor
Name 2 of Wolsey’s failures.
- Acted insensitively in 1523 parliament
- Couldn’t raise sufficient extraordinary revenue for the war in France
What was the aim of the Eltham Ordinances?
To reform the finances of the Privy Council by reducing royal household expenditure.
What was the King’s Great Matter?
The situation regarding the annulment of Henry’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon.
Why could the Pope not issue the annulment?
Annulment and divorce were against the beliefs of the Catholic faith.
What were the direct and indirect causes of Wolsey’s downfall?
- Failed to give Henry his annulment
- Unpopular for forcing the 1523 subsidy
- Charged with praemunire
Why did Cromwell rise to power?
He proposed to secure Henry’s marriage annulment and suggested the Break from Rome.
What new significance did Parliament get in this period?
It became the ‘Reformation Parliament’ focused on Henry’s divorce and the church.
What was the state of the Church in England at the time?
Very weak due to humanist and anticlericalism criticisms.
Name 3 early ways Henry and Cromwell tried to pressurise the Pope into granting the annulment.
- Act in Conditional Restraint of Annates (1532)
- House of Commons Supplication against the Ordinaries (1532)
- Formal submission of the clergy to Henry VIII (1532)
When was the marriage annulled?
May 1533.
Name 3 Acts of Parliament which sealed royal supremacy.
- Act in Restraint of Appeals (April 1533)
- Act of Supremacy (November 1534)
- Treason Act (November 1534)
What was the impact of all this?
Crushed the relationship between England and Rome and strengthened Parliament’s role.
Why did Anne Boleyn fall from power?
Cromwell convinced Henry that her flirting constituted treason.
Why did Cromwell fall from power?
His arranged marriage between Henry and Anne of Cleves failed, leading to accusations of treason.
Point out 3 differences in the style of government under Henry VII and Henry VIII.
- Henry VIII used Parliament more
- Henry VIII relied more on chief ministers
- Henry VII had a more peaceful foreign policy
Point out 3 similarities in the style of government under Henry VII and Henry VIII.
- Both made minimal use of Parliament
- Both relied heavily on extraordinary revenue
- Both faced criticism and potential rebellions
What characterises the last years of Henry VIII’s government?
Privy Council with fixed membership, some say the King was in control, others say he was weak.
What led to Norfolk’s disgrace?
Marries Henry to Catherine Howard; allegations of her affair led to executions.
