Parliament under Elizabeth Flashcards
Did Elizabeth have a good relationship with Parliament?
Since 1559 she has supporters and opponents in Parliament. The Lords were majority Catholic and the Commons were too.
It had grown in political confidence so she faced a more difficult time.
Who were her opponents?
Puritans
Catholic Bishops and peers in the Lords
What did she use Parliament to do?
She used Parliament to first reverse Mary’s changes and restore the Royal Supremacy and to create a Protestant England which Catholics could live in- a compromise. She was Protestant.
She had to use Parliament to sanction this by law as Henry, Ed and Mary had to due to the King-In-Parliament principle and changing attitudes of Parliament.
What was the increase in MPs?
1512-302 MPs
1586-462- made Parliamentary business more complex and gave MPs a bigger voice and influence. It was a quick growth and more views not controlling/ deciding her policies and views. More diverse but not the majority- no labours/ peasants.
Did she have a harder time with Parliament?
She faced a more difficult time in dealing with Parliament due to a growth in political confidence (through King-In-Parliament principle) since 1530’s. Also. because arguably there was a bigger religious split.
Did Elizabeth have to compromise more than she wanted to?
Yes.
When was her first Parliament called?
It sat in early 1559 (still in control when sessions were pulled).
What was the Puritan Choir?
A development of a Puritan Choir- a small group of radical P who wanted a more extreme purist P religious settlement than Elizabeth wanted grew- never been as extreme and were even more driven and consolidated after Mary’s persecution. A bigger struggle for E. Although, this theory has been criticised for how big and how troublesome it was.
What was a major issue for Elizabeth due to her gender? (Like Mary)
Parliament felt able to voice its view more freely on areas of policy- in 1563 and 1566 P raised the issue of marriage and (never done- e.g. H/ monarch called topics) and royal succession. Due to her being a woman there was a stronger position to the question as they thought her naïve and weaker.
What did Elizabeth do in response to 1563 and 1566?
She contested their right to discuss ‘matters of state’ such as the succession and religious policy even though they dared nevertheless and protected her Prerogative Powers.
Did Parliament stop after the 1563 and 1566 issue?
No, Parliament carried on expressing an opinion. They began bartering with the PC ( they speak of trade and marriage etc) on issues of taxation, in return for discussing certain state matters. Not questioning her authority but testing the relationship. CHANGE.
(An argument for continuity and change) What happened with Puritan Anthony Cope?
He tried to use Parliament to introduce radical religious reform but got no where.
How did Elizabeth respond to Cope?
She sent him to the tower by the House of Commons for acting beyond his powers.
How does Cope show continuity?
It showed E was still in control of Parliament, England and the laws. The power-base for policy and decisions still lay firmly with the Monarch and PC.
How does Cope show change?
The fact that people had more confidence and entitlement in Parliament to speak out and defy Elizabeth. It showed Parliament had a growing voice and that they felt their role had changed, to a more active and advisory role (like the PC). They felt they had less of a passive role and a responsibility and right to speak out. A change in role from Henry’s reign.
