Society in 1625:

Question 1

What was the structure of government and society in 1625?

Answer 1

1. King
2. Royal Court
3. Privy Council
4. Parliament - Common Law Courts - Local gov in counties - Prerogative courts - The Church
5. Electorate
6. The people - Tenant farmers, craftsmen, labourers, paupers.

Question 2

What was the Privy Council?

Answer 2

A council which included the King’s chosen advisers and heads of major departments, their function was to advise the King and supervise the local gov and gov departments e.g Treasury, Chancery, Exchequer.

Question 3

What did Parliament consist of and what could they do?

Answer 3

HOL (including 26 Bishops), HOC.
Each county and borough had two MPs, Parliament was called and dismissed by the King, Parliament was able to pass statute laws to add to the common law.

Question 4

What made up the Common Law Courts?

Answer 4

1 Exchequer court, King’s Bench court and Common Pleas court in London. The judges were appointed by the King. There were 2 judges on circuit who held county assizes.

Question 5

Who did the local government in counties and boroughs consist of?

Answer 5

The Lords Lieutenant (in charge of militia), Sheriffs (in charge of elections and gaols) and Justices of the Peace (who administered law and supervised parish officials).

Question 6

What did the Prerogative courts consist of?

Answer 6

There was the Chancery and the Star Chamber in London, the Court of High Commission which dealt with Church affairs and the Regional Councils of the North and Welsh Marches. These were run by Privy councillors and represented the King’s direct authority.