James' beliefs on kingship

Question 1

What were James’ views?

Answer 1

He believed that he as a king had divine right to do what he wanted as God chose him, but he believed that a king should rule within the law and is the right thing to do.

Question 2

Where did his views come from?

Answer 2

When James was in education when he was King of Scotland by one of his tutors George Buchanan.

Question 3

How did James express his views before 1603?

Answer 3

He wrote several tracts some being; The Trew law of Free Monarchies in 1598 and Basilikan Doran in 1599.

Question 4

Area of Perogative:
Disputed Elections

Answer 4

• The commons or Chancery were questioned over which should decide disputed parliamentry elections.
• MP’s feared if Chancery was chosen that the government might pack parliament.
• James argued their privileges were their own and no King could remove them.
• The commons were recognised as the authority.

Question 5

Area of Perogative:
Purveyance

Answer 5

• James was prepared to give up this part of perogative but only with compensation.
• He was seen as two - faced as he didn’t give up purveyance.
• His right to buy things less than everyone else.

Question 6

Area of Perogative:
Wardships

Answer 6

Due to estates going into disrepair, landowners wanted this to stop.
- James’ chief minister, Robert Cecil, drew up a scheme, then officials of the court of wards lobbied him and he realised he had a lot to loose himself so backtracked so the commons blamed the King.