James I: Relationship with Parliament Flashcards
What powers did the monarch hold over plmt?
Give 2 points
He could summon, prorogue or dissolve it
Had to give royal assent to approve the passage of a bill
Why was there conflict between the monarch and plmt?
Only plmt could raise taxation, so the King would have to appeal to them to levy additional taxies on the gentry or be granted subsidies.
To restrict financial independence, and the possibility of absolutism, plmt were reluctant to grant funds
Kishlansky on the nature of plmt:
‘before the 1620s, plmt might be described as an event’
How did James I view the relationship between the monarchy and plmt?
Firm believer in divine right of Kings, but had 16 years of political experience on Scottish throne and was pragmatic and willing to compromise - even though it was a more subservient institution
What issue first demonstrated James I’s pragmatism with plmt?
Explain event.
1604 Buckinghamshire election.
Current knight of the shire had been outlawed for debt, so Lord Chancellor Bacon held a new election in which Sir John Fortescue was selected, a member of the PC.
Plmt viewed this as a violation of their right to judge the returns of MPs - James confirmed this and proposed a new election.
Which royal prerogatives were called into question in 1604?
How did James react to this?
Wardship and Purveyance.
There was talk of converting them into sources of annual income, as plmt resented the financial power they gave the King.
The fact he allowed discussion over his prerogative again shows ability to negotiate and compromise
How did plmt attempt to criticise James?
Plmt committee drafted ‘The Apology of the Commons’ - criticised refusal to introduce further ecclesiastical reform, and brought up wardship and purveyance again
Yet was never presented to him
How did plmt react to James’ dual kingship?
They refused to name him King of GB - due to xenophobia of the scots and also concern over the fate of English laws and liberties in the union
This was a viewed shared by leading ministers, PC and the Lords
What provision of the Act of Union was particularly contentious and how did James attempt to enforce it?
The post-nati.
MPs did not want to sign the bill with this provision, which was already a compromise on James’ behalf - brought about Calvin’s Case 1608 instead, which was a collusive action
He angrily lectured the Commons for their failure to achieve even a partial union - mark of worsening relations
What financial reform was attempted in 1610?
Give 2 of its aims
The Great Contract.
Lord Treasurer, Cecil, Earl of Salisbury, wanted a one-time subsidy to pay off royal debt, which was at £600,000, increasing annually by £75,000.
He also suggested commutating some of the royal prerogatives into an annual land tax of £200,000
How did plmt react to the Great Contract?
They debated it for 5 months, due to concern of James acquiring financial independence without royal debt, and for nothing in return.
What was the result of the Great Contract…
a) financially?
b) with the monarch’s relationship with plmt?
a) Only granted £100,000, and although initially they had agreed to the commutations, once their implications became clear (officers losing fees), they reneged
b) They had a more damaged relationship as James could now directly blame his financial situation on plmt - dissolved them
Why did the ‘Addled Parliament’ fail?
James had wanted to raise revenue in the form of a benevolence, but plmt were divided over whether to raise taxation or not - dissolved after 8 weeks
Why was the 1621 plmt called?
James needed support for his foreign policy to regain lands lost by the Elector Palatine, his son-in-law
Why was the 1621 plmt reluctant to grant subsidies to James?
It was unsure whether the funds would be used for war due to James’ generosity at court
What advice did Lord Chancellor Bacon give James before the opening session of the 1621 plmt?
He suggested to pre-emptively resolve their grievances by curbing abusive patents and suppressing monopolies - James ignored this
What did James call the 1621 plmt after its initial session and why?
‘the happiest plmt that ever was’
Commons granted 2 subsidies worth £140,000
How did James show his willingness to cooperate with plmt in 1621?
When the issue of patents and monopolies was raised (partially to indirectly attack Buckingham), James was co-operative - even with the impeachment of Bacon
Why was Bacon impeached in 1621?
Bacon was convicted of accepting bribes.
Factionally motivated too - Coke, Cranfield, Buckingham all encouraged this
What happened in the second session of the 1621 plmt ?
Give 2 points
MPs voted in favour of another subsidy.
MPs also showed a willingness to fight for the Palatinate
What foreign policy issue brought down the 1621 plmt?
The Spanish Match.
What had the Commons done over foreign policy in 1621?
Give 2 points
They drew up a charter for Charles to marry a Protestant in December.
Created a petition for war against Spain - they assumed this was royal foreign policy, unaware they were infringing upon James’ prerogative
What was James’ response to the 1621 petition of the Commons?
Give 4 points.
James censured the petition, and after arguments over plmt privileges he:
Ripped out their protestation from the Commons journal.
Dissolved plmt.
Imprisoned 5 of its leaders, including Coke
What were the main factors for the dissolution of the 1621 plmt?
Give 3.
James’ zealous defense of his prerogatives - suspended his usual pragmatism to protect his rights.
Plmt impingement upon royal foreign policy - preserve of the King
Farr argues that the general anti-Catholic sentiment of the population compromised James’ desire for peace.
