James and parliament Flashcards
What was the situation like at the beginning of James’ reign?
His reputation preceded him as the author of the ‘trew law of free monarchies’ with its emphasis on divine right, this idea worried parliament and they were very sensitive to any apparent attack on their privileges.
How did the parliament of 1604 begin?
Badly, with a debate about the Buckinghamshire election which resulted in angry speeches from both sides, the atmosphere only worsened when James spoke of his desire for a union between England and Scotland.
What was the biggest issue at the 1604 parliament?
The union of the crowns, something which was dear to James’ heart, the problem was, most of parliament hated the Scots. In October, they refused to change the country’s name to Great Britain, so James changed his title to king of Great Britain. James continued to seek the union until 1610 and the early failure of it caused him to loose faith in the commons, whilst the commons became increasingly concerned about his abolitionist tendencies.
What did parliament present to James is 1604?
The form of apology and satisfaction, presenting all their fears about the king’s absolutist tendencies.
What happened to the second session of the 1604 parliament?
It was meant to meet in November 1605, but was delayed by the discovery of the gunpowder plot, when it did meet in early 1606, a relived parliament granted James £400,000, but by the time the third session began in winter 1606, the commons had regained their suspicious attitude.
How did the first parliament end?
- It was dominated by discussion on the great contract, which failed owing to a lack of trust between the two sides. 2. James lectured about his prerogative for two hours. 3. The protestation did not help the situation as it grossly exaggerated “(their privileges) had never been more universally and dangerously impugned.`”
Why did the first parliament end so badly?
- James had been careful not to attack the privileges of the commons directly, but had failed to explain crown policies to them. 2. The lack of understanding stemmed from a lack of adequate representation for privy councilors in the commons, lacking proper information, the commons were more then willing to suspect the crown of sinister intensions and were thus uncooperative.
What happened during the 1614 parliament?
The addled parliament, it voted no subsidies and passed no legislation. In the absence of a clear agenda, it began discussing impositions and when one MP suggested all Scottish members of the bedchamber should be sent home, James dissolved it.
Give three facts about Robert Carr
- He came to James’ attention in 1607 and filled the vacuum left by Salisbury’s death, he was showered with money and titles. 2. After a scandalous divorce case in 1613, he married pro Spanish Francis Howard. 3. By 1615, the anti Spanish faction, led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, tried to entice James’ favor away from Carr, they chose Villiers to play this role.
What was the Overbury affair?
Thomas Overbury had opposed the marriage between Carr and Essex, so was put in the Tower of London where the countess had him poisoned in 1613. This did not get out until 1615, Essex and Carr were found guilty of murder, James reduced their sentences from execution to imprisonment and later gave them a full pardon.
Give three facts about George Villiers
- He came to the king’s attention in 1614 and the attention James lavished on him soon created a huge amount of jealousy. 2. After the fall of the Howards in 1618, he was imbued with gifts and would soon take over the direction of affairs. 3. James had a far better relationship with him then with his own son and it was strongly alleged that the pair were lovers.
How much did the 1621 parliament grant?
Only two subsides worth £140,000, far less then what was required. They then turned to discussion on monopolies, which caused inflation and were harmful but a bill restricting them failed to pass in the lords.
What happened at the 1621 parliament?
The most pressing issue was the palatinate and commons urged the king to lead the Protestant cause in Europe and to marry charles to “on of our own religion.” This angered james and he told them not to meddle in “anything concerning our government.” Parliament objected on the grounds of parliamentary privilege, which james then claimed they only had because he granted them it. Commons then decided to enter a formal account of their privileges into their journal- the protestation.
How did the 1621 parliament end?
When james heard about the Protestation, he had it ripped out as it claimed Commons could discuss foreign policy, parliament was dissolved.
Give three facts about the 1624 parliament
- Despite issues caused by it in 1624, they were once again invited to discuss foreign policy. 2. Charles and Buckingham had arrived back from Madrid and wanted war, only James stood in their way, but pressure from parliament could sweep objections away. 3. Charles was pleased with the anti Spanish views in parliament and was ready to accept a number of disturbing developments.
