Chapter Five | James I's Relations With Parliament Flashcards
When was James’ first Parliament in session?
1604-11
What was the Buckinghamshire election?
In 1604, James believed Commons were acting illegally by allowing outlaw Francis Goodwin to sit as MP for Buckinghamshire
Why was the Buckinghamshire election significant?
Became issue of constitutional dispute between parl priv & prerogative when James decided all election disputes should be settled by his Court of Chancery - but, sought compromise in return for acceptance & acknowledged parl’s claim to judge some election returns
What was Shirley’s case?
MP Thomas Shirley arrested for debt, upsetting MPs keen to establish parliamentary privilege of freedom from arrest while Parliament was in session
Why was Shirley’s case significant?
Parl sent governor of the Fleet Debater’s prison to ToL until Shirley was released - emphasising dispute between parl priv & prerogative
What document did Parliament draw up in 1604?
‘The Form of Apology and Satisfaction’, protesting king’s handling of recent political issues
Why was ‘The Form of Apology and Satisfaction’ significant?
Although never passed by Commons, so not formally presented to James, it claimed he was ignorant of the Commons’ “privileges and liberties” - emphasising dispute between parl priv & prerogative
When did James propose his plans for the union of Scotland and England?
1606
Why did James I’s plans for the union of Scotland and England collapse?
Parliamentary opposition - as ‘source of the law’, the king could rewrite laws of newly formed kingdom, giving himself more scope to exercise absolute authority
Why was James’ first Parliament dissolved?
Failure to reach parliamentary solution to crown’s financial difficulties
What was James 1614 Parliament nicknamed, and why?
Addled (confused) - dissolved after no longer than 8 weeks
What were the financial reasons for the dissolution of the addled Parliament?
James’ ability to levy impositions remained a conflict - Commons united in belief that they threatened property law and that over impositions “the liberty of the kingdom is in question”
What were the political reasons for the dissolution of the addled Parliament?
Emergence of competing groups in politics caused political disfunction (E.g. Howard faction who supported Catholic Spain & Protestant faction)
For what reason did James dissolve the addled Parliament of 1614, outside of finance and politics?
Crown’s plans to ensure parliamentary support for policies leaked (Bacon to attempt to influence elections through patronage) - made MPs fearful of absolutism
What was a monopoly?
Grant of protected right to pursue a form/method of trade/industry, in exchange for cash payment to crown
Which parliamentarians informed much of the vitriol surrounding popular political discourse about the abuse of monopolies?
Buckingham & Bacon was impeached (for involvement in certifying controversial patents for licensing of silver & gold thread)
What does the dispute surrounding monopolies indicate about James’ 1621 Parliament?
Politics of this period more about factional infighting (underlying tensions surface again w/ Spanish match & attacks on Buckingham) than Crown-Parl split
Why was Parliament not allowed to discuss matters of foreign policy?
Part of king’s prerogative
Why did foreign policy become a parliamentary issue during the 1621 parliament?
Knowing they would voice anti-Spanish sentiment & call for war, James allowed MPs to discuss Spanish Match - but backfired after petition on 3 Dec criticising match
What provoked the dissolution of James’ 1621 parliament?
Commons’ protestation on 18 Dec, declaring Parl’s “undoubted birthright to discuss foreign policy”
Why was James’ approach to the Thirty Years War following Elizabeth’s exile significant?
Following exile of Prince Frederick & daughter Elizabeth in Oct 1620, James negotiated for peace despite pressure from Parl to join war - unpopular due to widespread Catholicism & religion became root of opposition to James in 1621 Parl
What was the main subject of contention during James’ 1624 Parliament?
Foreign policy
Why did the Anglo-Spanish war begin?
Charles & Buckingham converted to Anti-Spanish policy after failed visit to Madrid
Why was finance a significant factor in James’ 1624 Parliament?
MPs reluctant to fund James’ push for more aggressive anti-Spanish policy (possible James only appeared converted to push MPs to realise war against their financial interests)
