Law and Order + Church

Question 1

Why did Henry call parliaments?

Answer 1

1. Increase royal authority (attainders, increasing the power of JPs, affirming his kingship.)
2. Finance (customs duties and emergency taxation)
3. Ask for advice/consult lords and commons.
4. Please the commons (trade agreements for merchants, developing local economies)

Question 2

Why was the church important?

Answer 2

1. The country was Catholic and Henry needed to be seen as religious.
2. Financial reasons.
3. The pope was powerful and could influence policy.
4. Ensuring obedience by communicating through churchmen.

Question 3

Why did Henry increase the power of the JPs?

Answer 3

1. Didn’t need paying.
2. Weakened power of the nobility.
3. Improved the legal system.
4. Easy to replace and could not disobey.