Topic 1 Elizabethan Government Flashcards
What Protestant plot was Elizabeth accused of being part of during Mary’s reign?
Wyatt Rebellion
What happened to Elizabeth as a result of being accused of being part of the Wyatt Rebellion?
She was arrested and imprisoned in Tower of London
What year did Elizabeth become queen?
1558
When did Elizabeth’s coronation take place at Westminster Abbey?
15 January 1559
In what 2 ways was Elizabeth well educated?
- spoke 5 languages including Latin and Greek
- well read
What 2 methods did Elizabeth use to project an image of royal majesty and maintain her popularity?
- portraits
- royal progresses
How did Elizabeth’s portraits make her appear?
Youthful, wise, powerful
What were royal progresses?
Ten week annual tour around south of England where Elizabeth stayed in homes of nobility
What were 2 reasons royal progresses were important?
- Elizabeth seen by subjects
- kept an eye on nobles- loyalty
What was the royal court?
Centre of all political power during Elizabeth’s reign
What did the royal court consist of?
Queens inner circle - ladies in waiting and chief advisers
What was patronage?
Monarch gives out land/positions in court to people
How did Elizabeth keep the loyalty of her royal court?
Patronage
What was an example of a faction formed in Elizabeth’s royal court?
William Cecil vs Robert Dudley
Who were the Privy Council?
Body of advisers and ministers appointed by queen and in charge of day to day running of country
How many times a week did the Privy Council meet?
3 or 4
Who were 4 key members of the Privy Council during Elizabeth’s reign?
Sir William Cecil
Robert Dudley
Sir Christopher Hatton
Sir Francis Walsingham
What was another name for Sir William Cecil?
Lord Burghley
What 2 positions did William Cecil hold in the Privy Council during Elizabeth’s reign?
Secretary of State and Lord Treasurer
For how long was Lord Burghley an advisor to Elizabeth?
Over 40 years
Which Privy Councillor was a close friend of Elizabeth?
Robert Dudley
Who was chief of the local officials?
Lord Lieutenant (1 per county)
Who held the position of Lord Lieutenant?
wealthy noble landowner
What was the role of Lord Lieutenant?
Supervised JPs
How many sheriffs were there per county?
1
What were 3 tasks done by the Sheriff?
- appointing juries
- fixing prices and wages
- delivering prisoners to court
How many JPs were there per county?
30 - 60
What was the role of JPs?
Maintaining law and order at local level
What were 3 tasks done by JPs?
- administrating poor law
- oversaw maintenance of highways
- justices in court for minor crimes
Who held the role of JP?
Wealthy country gentlemen
What were JPs awarded for their role?
- No money
- status and respect in their region
Who were the 3 lesser officers in the local government?
Parish constable
Night watchmen
Overseer of the Poor
Who was the parish constable appointed from?
Tradesmen or husbandsmen (farmers)
What were the Parish Constable expected to do?
- hold unpaid position for 1 year
- carry out tasks under JP supervision
What were 3 tasks of the Parish Constable and Night watchmen?
- watching vagabonds
- carry out punishments
- keep order in taverns
Who were the Overseers of the Poor appointed by?
JPs
What was the role of the Overseers of the Poor?
Collected and distributed poor rate (to those in need)
Why did the role of Overseers of the poor become increasingly important during Elizabeth’s reign?
number of unemployed increased
Who was the House of Lords made up of?
100 lords, bishops and judges appointed by queen
Who was the House of Commons made up of?
450 elected MPs (wealthy male landowners) - 2 per county and 2 per important towns
How many parliaments did Elizabeth call during her entire reign?
10
What were the 3 reasons Elizabeth would call Parliament?
- needed to pass Act
- short of money - parliament had power to raise money through taxes
- desired support/advice from MPs on important issues
Why was freedom of speech limited in Parliament?
- queen appointed Speaker of House
- queen chose topics for debate
How was Parliament powerful?
Had power to raise money through taxes
