The Protectorate Parliament

Question 1

What was the Instruments of government?

Answer 1

A constitutional settlement drafted by General John Lambert.

Question 2

What was Lambert’s original draft of the instruments of government?

Answer 2

The old policies of a king, lords and commons should be replaced with one king and one council and one parliament.

Question 3

Who altered Lambert’s original intentions and what did they change it to?

Answer 3

Cromwell altered the instruments of government into power being passed to lord protector, in consultation with council of state differing from 13-21 members.

Question 4

What was Cromwell’s title and what did this contradict?

Answer 4

Lord Protector, contradicts Cromwell’s previous want for equality as he’s now hierarchally superior to everyone.

Question 5

How often was Parliament to be called?

Answer 5

Triennial parliaments called for 5 months every three years.

Question 6

What would it being recalled ensure?

Answer 6

It would ensure a personal rule is prevented.

Question 7

How many members were there?

Answer 7

400 members from England, 30 from Scotland and Ireland.

Question 8

What was county franchise limited to?

Answer 8

Landowners with £200 or more.

Question 9

Who was deemed ineligible to vote?

Answer 9

Royalists and Roman Catholics.

Question 10

Under the instrument, what and why did they raise revenue?

Answer 10

Parliament was charged with raising revenue for establishing and maintaining a standing army of 10,000 horse and dragoons and 20,000 foot for the defence of England, Scotland and Ireland.

Question 11

What happened regarding liberty of worship?

Answer 11

Liberty of worship granted to all other than the Roman Catholics.

Question 12

When was the Instruments of Government adopted?

Answer 12

15th December 1653

Question 13

When was the first Protectorate parliament?

Answer 13

Assembled 3rd September 1654.

Question 14

What was the first protectorate parliament the first to do in terms of representation?

Answer 14

First Westminster parliament that Scotland and Ireland were represented.

Question 15

What did the ordinances establish?

Answer 15

financial, legal and religious reforms to highway repair and establishment of traffic regulations in London.

Question 16

When were the free elections and what did they result in?

Answer 16

1654- a house that included Presbyterians, republicans and even royalist representatives, all hostile to protectorate and resentful of continuing political influence of the army.

Question 17

What did Cromwell remind the MP’s that their first priority was?

Answer 17

to provide the nation with “good and wholesome laws”.

Question 18

What differences caused issues?

Answer 18

Bitter differences between the priorities of the army leaders and the civilian politicians.

Question 19

What did series of amendments were pulled up to the Instrument of government by the protectorate parliament aim to do?

Answer 19

Aimed to strengthen Parliament’s powers, reduce the power of the army and restrict moves to religious toleration.

Question 20

What did Cromwell insist to the MP’s, regarding the instrument of government?

Answer 20

They would have to sign a recognition, declaring their acceptance of the Instrument of government, but debates continued even after the severest critics were withdrawn.