Elizabeth and her Government

Question 1

Who were Elizabeth’s parents?

Answer 1

Henry VII and Anne Boleyn

Question 2

What was the purpose of the Privy Council?

Answer 2

• Assist the Queen in making decisions about home and foreign policies
• Ensure that all political decisions were carried out
• Keep the government in touch with the rest of the nation through the
  people who held power in the counties and towns
• Meet at the Queen’s request

Question 3

What was the Privy Council?

Answer 3

A group of around 20 of the Queen’s most trusted counsellors

Question 4

What was Parliament like at this time?

Answer 4

• Consisted of members of nobility and gentry
• The Queen needed Parliament’s consent to pass new laws or raise taxes
• Elizabeth tried to avoid using parliament, and only called on it 13 times during her 44 year reign

Question 5

How did Elizabeth use Patronage to secure the support of the Nobility and Gentry?

Answer 5

Patronage involved handing out titles and offices that gave the holder a source of income. `She distributed it widely so no-one felt left out, and helped to maintain political stability

Question 6

How did the Queen rely on Nobility and Gentry

Answer 6

They were expected to enforce law and order throughout the country, and would be responsible in raising armies for war

Question 7

Give an example of a local government post, and its role

Answer 7

“Justices of The Peace” oversaw hearings of minor civil matters or criminal offences, and officiated at weddings. They were unpaid, however many men volunteered in order to increase their local influence

Question 8

On what date was Elizabeth declared illegitimate?

Answer 8

1st July 1536

Question 9

Who were Elizabeth’s key advisors?

Answer 9

• William Cecil
• Robert Dudley
• Sir Francis Walsingham

Question 10

Who was William Cecil?

Answer 10

Elizabeth’s most important minister, secretary of State, and Exchequer, guiding her for 40 years. In 1571 he gained the title of Lord Burghley

(Exchequer- Responsible for setting levels of taxation and public spending)

Question 11

Who was Robert Dudley?

Answer 11

• One of Elizabeth’s trusted advisors, rumour has it they were lovers
• Died in 1588:(

Question 12

Who was Sir Francis Walsingham?

Answer 12

The head of Elizabeth’s secret service and advised on foreign affairs

Question 13

Elizabeth one liners:

Answer 13

“Video et taceo”

“I will have one mistress and no master”

Question 14

Describe the class structure in Elizabethan England

Answer 14

• Queen
• Royal Court and Privy Council
• Around 100 nobles
• Knights, gentry and lawyers
• Merchant class
• Yeomen
• Tenant farmers
• Labourers, servants and the poor