James - Parliamentary Opposition Flashcards
How did James inadvertently create a hostile Houses of Commons?
He bestowed lordships on many of his allies in the commons, meaning those left in the commons were hostile whilst the lords was allied.
[Finance] Why didn’t the commons trust James?
His extravagant spending created the impression that he couldn’t be trusted with any money he was granted by parliament.
[Foreign Policy] Why didn’t the commons trust James?
There were fears that he was too close to Catholic powers through his relationship with Count Gondomar (Spanish Ambassador). His mother, Mary Queen of Scots, was a Catholic and there were worries that James would grant more tolerance for Catholics, or become one himself.
Why was parliament so intent on war with Spain and intervention in the Palatinate in 1624?
There was a lot of anti-Spanish vitriol fuelled by a fear of Catholicism and also nostalgic memories of defeating the Spanish Armada. In the Palatinate, they also saw Protestantism as being under threat from Catholic Habsburgs.
How did James’ damage relations with the parliament at the end of the 1621 parliament?
He declared he would have nothing to do with parliament in the future.
Why was the 1614 parliament known as the ‘Addled Parliament’?
No legislation was passed.
Why did James’s policy towards Recusancy fines outlined in 1621 damage both his finances and his relationship with parliament?
Parliament wished for them to be pursued more vigorously, but James was eager to try and improve relations with the Catholic Spain.
What promise did Charles make to Louis XIII of France that would effectively ruin any chance of a successful relationship with parliament upon his ascension to the throne?
He promised to lift restrictions on Catholics in England.
How did the electorate contribute to the failure of the Great Contract?
They expressed concerns about the annual tax payments that would have been necessary to provide James with a regular income.
How did Cecil’s departure from the commons and subsequent replacement with Sir Edwin Sandy damage James’ relationship with the commons?
Cecil was well respected in parliament and was a soothing presence and member of the Privy Council, whereas Sandy was a veteran of the commons who would vehemently rebuke any perceived attack on the privileges and protocols of the commons.
How did Sir Edwin Sandy set the precedent for a rocky relationship when defining the terms of James’ proposed union between England and Scotland?
He stipulated that any union would mean that Scots would be ruled by English laws under an English parliament.
How did fighting between factions in the houses of commons lead to a lack of progress in the 1614 parliament?
The Pro-Spain and Anti-Spain groups were so divided on foreign policy matters.
