Parliament (19)

Question 1

What did Elizabeth regard Parliament as?

Answer 1

A necessary but occasional evil; something she had to put up with for its tasks of law making, granting of taxation and giving advice.

Question 2

Altogether how many Acts were passed by Elizabeth’s parliaments?

Answer 2

438

Question 3

What was the most important function of Parliament?

Answer 3

To grant extraordinary revenue to the Crown.

Question 4

How many parliamentary session out of 13 were asked to grant revenue?

Answer 4

2

Question 5

What was Elizabeth not interested in listening to?

Answer 5

The advice of MPs.

Question 6

When did Elizabeth become irritated with MPs?

Answer 6

When they ventured into areas that she considered fell within the royal prerogative.

Question 7

What did parliament bring to the nation?

Answer 7

A useful means of communication and a clear point of contact between councillors and those who administrated the localities on their behalf.

Question 8

How many Parliaments were called in Elizabeth’s reign?

Answer 8

10

Question 9

Why was Parliament called in Jan-May 1559?

Answer 9

Settlement of religion, Settlement pushed through because of the efforts of strongly Protestant councillors in the face of conservative opposition in the house of Lords.

Question 10

Why was Parliament called in Apr-May 1571?

Answer 10

Elizabeth wanted money to pay for the suppression of the 1569 rebellion and the Council also sought a tightening of the treason laws against Catholics.

Question 11

Why was Parliament called in May-Jan 1572?

Answer 11

There was no request for money. Parliament considered issues of security following the exposure of the Ridolfi Plot. Parliament called for the execution of the Duke of Norfolk and Mary Queen of Scots.

Question 12

Why was Parliament called in Oct 1586-Mar 1587?

Answer 12

Parliament was called at a difficult time both in international relation and in the aftermath of the Babington Plot.

Question 13

Why was Parliament called in Feb-Mar 1589?

Answer 13

Parliament was called so that revenue could be raised for the war against Spain. parliament voted a double subsidy.

Question 14

Why was Parliament called in Feb-Apr 1593?

Answer 14

The session was largely concerned with legislation against those who refused to attend church. Parliament voted a triple subsidy.

Question 15

What was William Cecil’s responsibility in Parliament’s functions?

Answer 15

He played an important role in preparing the Crown’s legislative programme, “framing and often shaping bills.”

Question 16

How did Privy councillors often begin parliamentary sessions?

Answer 16

By setting the tone and outlining the Crown’s priorities.

Question 17

What did privy councillors frequently introduce?

Answer 17

Bills and sat on the committees that have detailed consideration to the content of parliamentary bills.

Question 18

Across the whole of Elizabeth’s reign how many bills did she refuse to the royal assent?

Answer 18

Over 60 bills, including no fewer than 15 in 1585 alone.

Question 19

What did Elizabeth try and use to deal with religion?

Answer 19

Charm and flattery.

Question 20

Name a feature of the 1593 Parliament?

Answer 20

The imprisonment of Peter Wentworth for arguing for a named successor to Elizabeth.

Question 21

What was the outcome for Peter Wentworth?

Answer 21

Infuriated once again by such an attack on her royal prerogative, the queen had Wentworth and three colleagues imprisoned in the Tower.

Question 22

What did this show about Elizabeth when sh sent Wentworth to the tower?

Answer 22

The queen’s temper and it worsened with age.

Question 23

What happened to Elizabeth and Parliaments relationship?

Answer 23

It broke down entirely at the end of her reign over the issue of monopolies in 1601.

Question 24

What was the debate over monopolies?

Answer 24

The occasion when the Crown’s officers lost control over the House of Commons and this was not helped by the problems faced by Robert Cecil who lacked skill as parliamentary manager.

Question 25

In the end how was a compromise achieved?

Answer 25

The session ended with the queen presenting her Golden Speech to a crowded gathering of around 140 MPs in the Council chamber at Whitehall.