The Elizabethan Government Flashcards

1
Q

When did Elizabeth become Queen?

A

At the age of 25

Elizabeth became Queen on 17th November 1558.

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2
Q

Who were Elizabeth’s parents?

A

King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn

Henry VIII was her father and Anne Boleyn was his second wife.

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3
Q

What significant event happened in 1547?

A

Henry dies and Edward becomes King

This marks the beginning of Protestant England.

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4
Q

Who was Mary I married to?

A

King Philip II of Spain

Mary I’s reign was marked by the Marian Persecution.

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5
Q

What was the Wyatt Rebellion?

A

A rebellion led by Thomas Wyatt in 1554

Elizabeth was suspected of involvement and imprisoned.

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6
Q

Where was Elizabeth imprisoned after being suspected in the Wyatt Rebellion?

A

Tower of London

She was later moved to Woodstock due to lack of evidence.

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7
Q

What was Elizabeth’s Coronation date?

A

15th January 1559

The Coronation took place in Westminster Abbey.

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8
Q

What was the Royal Court?

A

The center of all political power in the realm

It included courtiers, servants, and advisors.

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9
Q

What role did courtiers play in the Royal Court?

A

They sought the patronage of the queen

Nobles worked to impress Elizabeth for titles and power.

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10
Q

What languages could Elizabeth speak?

A

Five languages including Latin and Greek

She was well-read and studied Theology.

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11
Q

What was the Privy Council?

A

A body of advisors appointed by the queen

They were responsible for the day-to-day running of the country.

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12
Q

How often did the Privy Council meet?

A

Three or four times a week

They discussed matters of governance, but Elizabeth seldom joined.

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13
Q

What were key themes in Elizabeth’s portraits?

A

Majestic, immortal, youthful, wise, powerful, virgin

These themes were important for her public image.

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14
Q

What was a Royal Progress?

A

A ten-week annual tour around the south of England

It was an honor for the nobility to host the queen.

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15
Q

Who were some key members of the Privy Council during Elizabeth’s reign?

A
  • William Cecil
  • Robert Dudley
  • Christopher Hatton
  • Robert Cecil
  • Sir Francis Walsingham
  • Robert Devereux

These men were appointed to aid in governance.

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16
Q

True or False: Elizabeth was able to play factions within the Royal Court against each other.

A

True

This strategy helped her maintain control.

17
Q

Fill in the blank: Elizabeth’s half brother was _______.

A

King Edward VI

Edward reigned from 1547 to 1553.

18
Q

What happened after Mary I’s death?

A

Elizabeth became Queen

The end of Mary’s reign marked a return to Protestantism in England.

19
Q

What was the role of the Local Government during the Elizabethan Age?

A

To maintain law and order on a local level across counties, towns, and parishes

Local Government supported Elizabeth and her Privy Councillors in running the country.

20
Q

Who was the chief of the local officials in the Elizabethan Local Government?

A

The Lord Lieutenant

The Lord Lieutenant was typically a wealthy landowner and often a Privy Councillor.

21
Q

How many Justices of the Peace (JPs) were there per county in the Elizabethan Age?

A

30-60 JPs per county

The number varied depending on the size of the county.

22
Q

What were the responsibilities of the Justices of the Peace (JPs)?

A
  • Maintaining law and order on a daily basis
  • Overseeing minor crime courts
  • Maintaining highways
  • Administering poor relief

JPs were wealthy country gentlemen who received no payment for their role.

23
Q

What was the role of the Sheriff in the Elizabethan Local Government?

A

Responsible for completing documents for apprenticeships, fixing prices and wages, and looking after the poor

The Sheriff’s responsibilities had changed significantly from medieval times.

24
Q

Who were the lesser officers in the Elizabethan Local Government?

A
  • Parish Constable
  • Night Watchman
  • Overseers of the Poor

These officers assisted in maintaining local order and managing poor relief.

25
What was the function of the Parish Constable?
To maintain order and oversee local law enforcement for a year in an unpaid position ## Footnote The Parish Constable was typically a tradesman or local farmer.
26
What did the Night Watchman do?
Patrolled the parish or town at night alongside the Parish Constable ## Footnote They were responsible for watching vagabonds and keeping order.
27
What was the role of the Overseers of the Poor?
Collected the poor rate (tax) and distributed it to those in need ## Footnote Appointed by the JP, this role was crucial in managing poor relief.
28
What were the two houses of Parliament during the Elizabethan Age?
* House of Lords * House of Commons ## Footnote The House of Lords had 100 members appointed by the Queen, while the House of Commons had 450 members, mostly wealthy landowners.
29
How often did Parliament meet during Elizabeth's reign?
10 parliaments met on a total of 13 occasions ## Footnote Elizabeth called Parliament primarily when she needed revenue, to pass Acts, or for support on important issues.
30
What limited the freedom of speech in the Elizabethan Parliament?
Elizabeth appointed the Speaker of the House and chose discussion topics ## Footnote MPs discussing forbidden topics could be dismissed.
31
What financial situation did Elizabeth inherit in 1558?
£227,000 in Marian Debt ## Footnote This debt was accrued by Queen Mary I and posed a significant challenge for Elizabeth.
32
What measures did Parliament help Elizabeth implement for financial stability?
* Balancing the books * Clearing the debt * Cutting Royal Household expenditure * Capping Royal Court salaries ## Footnote These measures were necessary due to increasing poverty and local taxation needs.