The role of ministers (19) Flashcards
What was the main formal body in which the queen’s principal ministers came together?
The Privy Council.
What was the Privy Council responsibile for?
Policy advice and administration.
When did the Privy Council meet?
On a regular basis, with most meeting’s attracting an attendance of about ten members.
Name 3 functions of the Privy Council
1) To adjust partly as a court of law when sitting as the Star Chamber and partly when sitting as a Board when dealing with issues such as local maladministration.
2) To discuss matters of the State and offer policy advice arising from those discussions to the queen.
3) To manage the Crown finances with the Lord Treasurer and the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
3) To enforce a range of Laws and regulations regarding issues such as law and order, vagrancy, prices and wages.
What was Elizabeth conscious about?
Her royal prerogative, which she was not prepared to restrict.
Who was established as Elizabeth’s key minister at the beginning of her reign?
William Cecil, he came to dominate the Council.
What was Cecil described by the Spanish ambassador?
“The man who does everything”
What did the Council contain?
Member with conservative views that were usually drawn from the traditional aristocracy and included premier peer of the realm.
Who was Elizabeth’s favourite Council member?
Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester.
When did Robert Dudley join the Council?
1562
Why was the influence of traditional conservative aristocracy reduced?
Because of the downfall and execution of Norfolk and the death of Lord Treasurer Winchester.
What did the council offer?
Cohesive decision-making
What were there disputes over?
Foreign policy and a breakdown in relations between Elizabeth and her Privy Council brought about by the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1587.
Name 3 problems that weaken Elizabeth’s Council from the 1580’s.
1) A number of ministers died in quick succession. The death of the Earl of Leicester in in September 1588. By 1597 the council only had 11 members.
2) The queen made matters worse by failing to make immediate replacements and when she did, she tended to rely on the middle-aged sons of former councillors who lacked skills.
3) The promotion of the younger Robert Cecil angered the Earl of Essex; Essex was a temperamental man who made an enemy of Cecil.
