queen, government, and religion Flashcards
roles of the church of england:
-controlled what was preached, priests needed to have a special licence from government to preach, this way liz could control it
-legitimised power to the monarch, would show loyalty by prayers of obedience and thanks to reign in services
-organised festivals for parishioners, such as may day and easter celebrations
How was social hierarchy determined?
It was usually determined by how much land you had and whether you owned or rented it.
What were the five key parts of the Government in Elizabethan England?
Court
Privy council
Parliament
Lords Lieutenant
Justices of the Peace
What were the key features of the court?
They were a body of people who lived near the same palace or house of the monarch
Mainly consisted of the nobility (monarch’s key servants, advisers and friends)
Attending court required the monarch’s permission
What was the role of the court?
To entertain and advise the monarch
To publicly display wealth and power
Courtiers (usually members of the nobility who spent most their lives with Elizabeth I) had to influence with the Queen rather than actual power
What were the key features of the Privy Council?
Made up of leading courtiers, advisers, nobles and senior government officials
Approximately 19 members on the Privy Council selected by the monarch
They met at least three times a week and were often attended and presided by the Queen
What was the role of the Privy Council? (5)
To monitor the Justices of Peace
To monitor the proceedings of Parliament
To oversee law and order, local government and the security of England
Make sure the monarch’s final decisions were carried out
To debate current issues and advise the monarch on government policy
What were the key features of parliament?
Made up of House of Lords (which includes bishops) and House of Commons
Could only be called and dismissed by the monarch
Elections were held before each new parliament but few people could vote
Elizabeth called parliament ten times during her reign
What was the role of parliament?
To grant extraordinary taxation (additional tax to pay for unexpected expenses like war)
Pass laws (Act of Parliament)
Offer advice to monarch
What were the key features of a Lord Lieutenant?
Chosen by the Queen
Members of the nobility and often the Privy Council
Essential in maintaining the monarch’s power and England’s defences
What were the roles of a Lord Lieutenant?
Part of the local government
For overseeing the enforcement of policies
In charge of raising and training local militia (military force of ordinary people, usually raised in an emergency) and overseeing county defences
What were the key features of the Justices of Peace?
who were they, were they paid?
JoPs were large landowners who kept law and order in their local area.
They were unpaid and reported to the Privy Council.
It was a position of status so it was a very popular job
What were the roles of the Justices of peace?
To make sure all social and economic policies were carried out
Part of the local government
To hear county court cases every three months for more serious crimes
What was Elizabeth I role in politics and the government?
5
Because of the divine right of kings, she made government policy with the advice of the Privy Council
She could declare war and peace
Call and dismiss parliament and agree or reject any laws they voted for
Rule in some legal cases (e.g. if law was unclear or if people appealed for judgement)
Grant titles, land, money and jobs
Why was parliament important to the Queen?
-Extraordinary taxation could not be done without their agreement
-The Queen’s orders (proclamations) could not be enforced in law courts
whereas Acts of Parliaments could so really important policies had to be approved by them.
Why was Elizabeth I legitimacy to the throne questioned?
It was essential that a monarch was born with their reigning parents (King and Queen) still married (wedlock)
Her legitimacy was questioned because of how her father Henry VIII had divorced his first wife before marrying Elizabeth’s mother Anne Boleyn
the pope refused to recognise the marriage
what was the crown’s debt
£300,000
What were Elizabeth’s strengths and characteristics like? (7)
- She was resilient: she had been held in the Tower of London after being suspected of treason against Mary so she could cope with the pressures of being queen
- Elizabeth was confident, charismatic and persuasive
- +Her fiery temper caused some fear among the government
- She took a long time to make a decision
- +She was pragmatic: Her acceptance of both Catholics and Protestants allowed
- England to live in peace whereas extreme positions of Edward VI and Mary I had harmed English culture and society
What are the key features of a Roman Catholic church?
The Pope is the head of the church
Underneath the pope are the cardinals, archbishops, bishops and priests
Church services and the bible should be in Latin
Priests are special and should wear vestments
During mass a miracle occurs (bread and wine represents Jesus)
Churches should highly decorate and honour God
What are the key features of a Protestant church? (10)
There should not be a pope
Not necessary to have cardinals, archbishops or bishops
The bible and church services should be in your own language
People have a direct relationship with God through prayer and bible study
Bread and wine represents the last supper, not a miracle
Sins can only be forgiven by God
Priests are not special so should not wear special clothing
Churches should be plain and simple so as not to distract from God
Only two sacraments(baptism and holy communion)
Priests can marry
What was the problem Elizabeth I faced with the clergy?
Elizabeth was the first real protestant monarch but most of her clergy (religious leaders) were Roman Catholic and were in the House of Lords. Although many priests changed their religion to keep their job, some were devout and went against the Queen.
what were puritans
people who wanted to purity the Christian religion by getting rid of anything not in the bible
which area of England remained largely catholic
the north- especially Durham, Yorkshire and Lancashire
