The Political Nation And The Social Basis Of Power Flashcards
Political Nation
The people in early modern Britain who had economic, political and social influence. Land ownership later at the root of their influence.
Royal Prerogative
The power of the Crown, from the idea that the divine right to rule is given by God to monarchs.
Included powers -
Foreign diplomacy, Head of State
Declaration of war, commander-in-chief of the military
Legislation, right to call and dissolve Parliament
Religion, head of the Church of England
Why was the King reliant on Parliament?
Finances lay at the root of the monarch’s power, and their income wasn’t able to keep up with they’re expenses they found; so the only way to raise substantial funds was through parliamentary subsidies.
How were parliamentary subsidies raised?
By taxing the Political Nation.
What were the main forms of Crown income?
Crown lands - however they had sold too much land or rented it out on long leases at a fixed rent so their income was reduced because they couldn’t update for inflation on rents
Custom duties - Taxes on goods imported into the country, they could also sell this right temporarily to get quick funds
Feudal dues - The crown had the right to control and estate that was inherited by ancient right, by an heir under 21
Parliamentary subsidies - Funds approved by Parliament for emergencies such as war
What groups were in the Political Nation?
The aristocracy
The lesser gentry
Lawyers and merchants
What was the great chain of being?
The idea of an ordered society set in place by God; the idea was everyone must accept their place in society
Why was land essential to power?
The economy of England was predominantly agrarian.
