James and Parliament

Question 1

What did James think of his first session in Parliament in 1604?

Answer 1

He thought it was chaotic and said ‘nothing is heard but cries, shouts, and confusion’

Question 2

When did James put forward his proposal for a union of England and Scotland, and how long was it debated before being rejected?

Answer 2

1604

3 years

Question 3

Why did James dissolve Parliament in 1611?

Answer 3

The failure of the Great Contract

Question 4

Why did the ‘Addled Parliament’ of 1614 refuse to give James subsidies?

Answer 4

Because Puritan factions had developed in Parliament, and it seemed that James did not need the money due to his extravagance. James would not call another Parliament for 7 years

Question 5

What were the hopes of the 1621 Parliament?

Answer 5

That James would declare war on Spain and would support Frederick in the Palatinate
Higher persecution of recusants
End monopolies

Question 6

Why was James’ 1621 Parliament a failure?

Answer 6

1. James wrote the Parliament a letter telling them to not meddle in matters of state, as they fell under royal prerogative. This led to Parliament to write the Protestation asserting their rights
2. Parliament refused to give James the money he needed for a war in Europe, despite the fact that Parliament had itself requested that James join the war
3. James said the war would cost over 1 million pounds, which would mean raising taxes, making MPs unpopular for their next election
4. MPs were unhappy that James was trying to marry Charles to a Catholic in the Spanish Match

Question 7

What were the hopes of the 1624 Parliament?

Answer 7

That James would declare war on Spain, as the public mood had shifted since Charles came back from Madrid
That James would support Frederick
That James would marry Charles to a Protestant
End monopolies

Question 8

Why did James’ 1624 Parliament fail?

Answer 8

1. Parliament refused to give James the funds he needed to attack Spain and restore Frederick to the Palatinate
2. Divisions in Parliament between Charles, who wanted a war, and James, who wanted peace
3. Parliament forced James to abolish all monopolies sold to individuals, which was a blow to royal finances and royal prerogative