Henry VII - Government

Question 1

When was the Council Learned formed?

Answer 1

1495

Question 2

Why was the Parliament not important during this time period?

Answer 2

• Parliament does not sit permanently (like it does in modern times).
• Met very occasionally, only when the King called upon it.

Question 3

How much revenue rise as a result of exploiting all revenue sources.

Answer 3

In 1492 it was: £11,000.

In 1506 it was: £40,000.

Significant increase.

Question 4

How many people in Henry’s council were Peers and Clergy?

Answer 4

1/4 Clergy and 1/4 Peers

Question 5

What was Henry’s relationship like with Parliament?

Answer 5

It was generally really good. He respected their decisions.

Parliament operated effectively and were not pressured by the King or his ministers.

Question 6

What was the view people had about Henry’s attitude to money?

Answer 6

• He was obsessed by money.
• He was known as the miser king, a.k.a someone who was stingy.
• Henry rarely spent any money.

Question 7

What were the functions of Henry VII’s council?

Answer 7

• To advise the king.
• Administer the realm on the King’s behalf.
• To make legal judgements.

Question 8

What is the privy council?

Answer 8

A small group of ministers with whom Henry ran the country.

Henry worked with 6 to 7 ministers daily.

Question 9

What were the 3 main types a councillor could be?

Answer 9

• Member of Nobility.
• Churchman.
• Laymen.

Question 10

What was the Great council and how many times did it meet during Henry’s reign?

Answer 10

It was the gathering of the House of Lords.

They met a total of 5 times.

Question 11

What was the role of the Council Learned?

Answer 11

• They maintained the King’s revenue.
• They exploited Henry’s Prerogative rights (Powers held by the Monarch that may be used without the consent of the Lords)
• Making sure that the bonds and recognisances continue to work effectively.

Question 12

What made the Council Learned controversial.

Answer 12

They were not a recognised Court of Law and bypassed the normal legal system.

Question 13

How did Henry use Parliament to make more money?

Answer 13

By Acts of Attainder: In his first Parliament he asks to pass acts against nobles (Confiscating Property to the crown).

Tonnage and Poundage: He had himself granted the customs revenue for life (Which he used sometimes for war).

Question 14

How many times was Parliament called during Henry’s reign?

Answer 14

7.

Question 15

Out of the 7 times Parliament was called how many were during the last 14 years of his reign?

Answer 15

2.

Question 16

What was the Court of Star Chamber?

Answer 16

It was a court to appeal, in which ordinary people could get justice against the rich and powerful.

Question 17

How did Henry exploit the Star Chamber?

Answer 17

He saw it as another chance to attack the rich. This was because they had no right to appeal or complain, so Henry used it to step outside the law.

It was a way to control nobles.

Question 18

What were bonds and recognisances?

Answer 18

A legal contract in which a person guaranteed certain positive behaviour/actions or otherwise they would be faced with a fine to pay.

It was a way to control nobles.

Question 19

What were some criticisms of Henry’s way to increase the wealth of the crown?

Answer 19

• He was poorer than most European King’s.
• He wasn’t much more wealthier than Edward IV.
• Taxation was collected inefficiently and caused rebellions.

Question 20

What were the Justices of Peace?

Answer 20

Their job was to maintain regional law and order.

They collected tax and investigated complaints against local officials.