Stuarts - Chapter 1: Political Nation Flashcards
What was the great chain of being?
Belief that the order of society was decided by God and there was a hierarchy that everybody had a place in
Who was George Villiers and why was he a source of tension in the royal court?
Favourite of King James I (and later Charles I) who often received affection and patronage from the King (this could cause tensions or jealousy in the Royal Court as he got a lot of his attention and therefore had more political influence over him)
What was Parliament’s role and what undermined their power?
Parliament was mainly called for granting war finances, but its authority was undermined as it could be dissolved by the king at anytime
What are some prerogative powers of the monarch? What body challenges his powers?
Power of Foreign Diplomacy (Head of State), Legislation (Parliament), War Declaration (commander of military) & religion (Governor of Church of England)
Parliament later challenges the King’s power by not allowing him subsidies etc.
How did the monarch control the general population? Why would this cause tension in society?
Crown relied on Political Nation to impose will on population, this caused tension as Political Nation gained status and power - the unfairness in society lead to tensions and riots, the fact the PN carried out most of the essential parts of society (eg. taxes) somewhat limited the monarchs power. (Divine Right also allowed the monarch to control population as it’s believed he was chosen by God to rule)
What powers did the King have over finance? Who did the King rely on for finance?
King had complete control over Crown lands and feudal dues (this was little money to spend)
King relied on Parliament to raise tax for war
