Stuarts - Chapter 5: Parliament Relations (James) Flashcards
Why does Divine Right cause conflict with Parliament?
The King believes he is absolute so his relationship with Parliament is difficult as he believes they should grant him whatever he wants as he’s chosen by God
What is Parliamentary privilege?
legal immunity for MPs to speak without fear of legal action as cannot be arrested while Parliament is in session, this means they can talk about more controversial issues in Parliament freely
When was the First Parliament of James I held?
1604-11
What was the Buckinghamshire Election (1604) and what did it become a dispute over?
MPs learned the Court of Chancery annulled an MP (Goodwin) from the election as he broke the law and was replaced by a privy councilor (Fortescue) which was seen as royal interference. MPs voted to reinstate him due to Parliamentary privilege but James disagreed so asked HoL to confer. James later told Parliament that there privileges were granted by the monarch and all election disputes are decided by Court of Chancery. Eventually both MPs dismissed and new election held.
Became a dispute over Parliamentary privilege and prerogative power
How was Shirley’s Case (1604) a dispute of Parliamentary privilege?
MP Shirley arrested for debt which upset Parliament as PP meant being free from arrest when Parliament is in session, so they sent the Governor of Shirley’s prison to the Tower of London till he was released
Why did James want to unify England and Scotland?
secure kingdom, less complicated (only`1 Parliament)
Why was there intense opposition on James wanting to unify England & Scotland?
MPs concerned that English laws would be abolished and that James had more opportunity to use his absolute authority, as well as having more Scots in Parliament, meaning there is more competition for favourites and courtiers somewhat lose their power, but also that Scottish issues may be prioritised over English ones.
When was the union between Scotland and England and what were some features of the union?
1606
All ships carry union flag, ‘Great Britain’, new currency
What did MPs do in 1606 to protest James’ handling of political issues, and what specific issues do they take issue with that dominate 1606 Parliament?
They drew up the ‘Form of Apology & Satisfaction’ as they were united against the King over union issues (anti - Scottish stance) and finance, as well as wardship
How was James I affected by Parliament’s anti-Scottish stance (1606)?
James was alienated by Parliament and PN
What were some financial issues in James’ Parliament in 1614 (‘The Addled Parliament’)?
In debt by £680,000 as Great Contract of 1610 failed, and Crown land was sold reducing long term income
Parliament also angered that King had the power to levy impositions
Explain the factional conflict in The Addled Parliament (1614) and how it affected Parliament’s efficiency
2 groups were competing in politics: the Howard faction, which was supportive of Catholic Spain, and the Protestant faction
The Protestant often called Parliament to attack the Howards etc., this caused politcal dysfunction
What did the 1621 Parliament focus on? What caused tension?
James attempted to use anti-Catholic Parliament to scare Spain into agreeing to Spanish Match (Charles tries to marry Spanish princess) but they went too far until Dec 1621 when James stated MPs can’t discuss foreign policy as part of his royal prerogative and dissolved Parliament
Tensions were caused by the abuse of monopolies (Cockayne Project 1614)
What were the consequences of the failed Spanish Match?
Charles told James Spain was playing them but James refused, Buckingham and Charles openly dislike Spain and call for Parliament and so in 1623 Parliament is called.
Charles married French Princess Henrietta Maria in 1625 (France was Spain’s rival)
How did James respond to the the 30 Years War? Who pressured him to join?
Parliament, Charles & Buckingham etc. wanted to join war against Catholic Spain and pressured James but he decided to negotiate for peace instead
‘peacemaker King’
