James - Divine Right Flashcards
What was Divine Right of kings?
The belief that the king was chosen by God, and that he was God’s Earthly representative.
Who was the King only answerable to?
God.
What was disobedience to the King seen as?
It was seen as a sin, as it went against the will of God.
What was James careful to distinguish?
The difference between a Just king and a Tyrant.
What was Parliament fearful of?
That James would become an absolutist leader.
What sort of Person was James?
A pragmatist.
List 3 problems which arose over Divine Right:
1) Issues over disputed elections.
2) Purveyance.
3) Wardships.
What was decided on Disputed elections?
There was debate over whether the king or the chancery should decide the outcome of disputed elections. It was decided the Chancery should be allowed to decide, although James argued he should be able to since the Divine Right gave him more power.
What was a Wardship?
When a landowner died and left land to an underage heir, the crown took control of the land until the heir became of age and could buy back control.
Why were Landowners not happy about Wardships?
Since they believed it was unfair to have to buy back their own land.
