James VI and I - tensions with parliament Flashcards
What was the Bate’s Case ?
this is where John Bates refused to buy the imposition tax on the goods that he had imported as he believed that only parliament had the right to impose that tax. He was then sent to court and judges ruled in favour of James I. This gave James increased revenue and he continued to impose impositions on imported goods. This angered some MP’s as many believed he was moving toward financial independence.
How did the Great Contract cause tensions between the monarchy and parliament ?
- Parliament rejected the contract as they believed that the contract gave James I to much financial independence and that they feared that he would not call them back.
- James felt that an annual subsidy of 200k was too little to give up some of his feudal rights
- James was frustrated with parliaments refusal to provide him with a suitable income and felt that he had to seek alternative forms of income
- Parliament felt that James disregarded the laws and privileges of England and was using ancient rights to raise income.
What was the Buckinghamshire election ?
this occurred in 1604 when Francis Goodwin was annulled for having 2 outstanding debts and John Fortesque replaced him. Many MPs saw it as royal interference and decided to reinstate Goodwin back. However James became angered and believed that disputed elections should go through court of chancery instead of commons. However James turned it into a constitutional dispute over the balance between crown prerogative and parliamentary privilege. However a compromise was reached and both Goodwin and Fortesque were dismissed and new election be held.
What was Shirley’s case ?
this occurred in 1604 when Thomas Shirley was arrested for debt. This upset MP’s as it went against the parliamentary privilege that MP’s were free from arrest while parliament were sitting. To assert their point, parliament sent the governor of the Fleet Debtors prison to the Tower of London until he was released.
What was the Union of Scotland and England ?
this occurred in 1606 and was James’ design for his new kingdom. However there was immediate opposition as some believed that the new state would abolish English laws, because the king was the new source of law and could re-write the laws of a newly formed kingdom and establish absolute authority. However the King’s plan for a Union collapsed due to Parliamentary opposition.
