Elizabeth and her Governemnt Flashcards
Royal court run by…
Lord Chamberlain
Royal Court consisted of …
500 courtiers (nobles, advisors, servants)
Political role of the Royal Court
Centre of political power. Crucial for politicians to access the Queen in a personal monarchy.
Propaganda/ impressions role of the Royal Court
Subtle propaganda to impress nobility and foreign guests. Feasts and performances showed the country’s power
Progresses feature
Elizabeth would travel with her court- visiting homes of nobility
Role of Progresses (3 points)
- Build relations
- flatter nobles
- lived in luxury, honour and entertainment
Patronage features
- Support certain loyal people by giving key jobs
- wealth and prestige
- led to great rivalry between individuals
- banishment caused problems
Political role of Patronage (2 facts + 1 negative)
- Only lost loyal gained political power
- meant court remained a political centre
- problem: those who lost patronage might want to rebel (Earl of Essex)
Privy council feature
- took responsibility for day-to-day running of the country
- Elizabeth’s main advisors
- Elizabeth could choose and dismiss members (she appointed most powerful to avoid risk of rebellion)
- Elizabeth couldn’t really refuse a united agreement (however was rarely United)
Privy council- political roles (advising)
- Advised the Queen (could ignore)
- William Cecil was a Key advisor for 40yrs
Privy council- political role (act)
- could direct policy
- coordinates financial departments, low courts, regional bodies
- issued instructions to Lord’s Luitenant and Justices of the Peace
Privy council- role (control of parliament)
Proved skilful at guiding parliamentary business on behalf of the Queen
What happens when taxes were needed (step by step)
-Request had to go through parliament
-advisors in Privy Council supported Queen
(monarch isn’t allowed in the House of Commons)
