Chapter 6: Conservatism of MPs (political instability and interregnum)

Question 1

what was the time period of the commonwealth period

Answer 1

1649 – 1653

Question 2

why was Cromwell and his army frustrated with the Rump parliament

Answer 2

• many of the more conservative MPs, who had been expelled in Pride’s Purge, had been readmitted
• Rump MPs failed to move forward with reform between 1649-1653

Question 3

what did Cromwell urging law reform lead to the establishment of

Answer 3

establishment of the Hale commission

Question 4

what were the failures of the Hale commission

Answer 4

• none of its recommendations for law reform were acted upon by the MPs
• Conservatism also shaped the Rump MPs attitudes towards religion

Question 5

why were none of The Hale Commission recommendations for law reforms acted upon by the MPs

Answer 5

due in no small part to the vested interest of the large number of lawyers MPs in the Rump

Question 6

how did Conservatism shape the Rump MPs attitudes towards religion

Answer 6

Blasphemy act 1650

Question 7

what did the Blasphemy act 1650 aim at

Answer 7

aimed at restricting radical religious sects

Question 8

consequence of the Blasphemy act 1650

Answer 8

put the MPs at odds with the army which pushed forwards with religious toleration

Question 9

from who and why did the rump come under increasing scrutiny

Answer 9

from the army whose interference in political matters was resented by the MPs, which increased instability

Question 10

what was Cromwells role from 1653

Answer 10

he was Lord Protector from 1653

Question 11

what did Cromwell, as Lord Protector, work with the council state on

Answer 11

worked with the Council state to draft 82 ordinances on financial, legal and religious reform to present to parliament for ratification

Question 12

what was the consequence of the election during the summer of 1654

Answer 12

it returned many MPs resentful of the continuing influence of the army

Question 13

why did Cromwell dissolve the first Protectorate Parliament

Answer 13

• none of the ordinances that Cromwell prepared were passed
• It was the earliest opportunity that was allowed under the terms of the constitution (Instrument of Government)

Question 14

when did Cromwell dissolve the first Protectorate Parliament

Answer 14

in January 1655

Question 15

what did the Instrument of government specify

Answer 15

that parliament should sit for a minimum period of five months

Question 16

how did Cromwell interpret the Instrument of government

Answer 16

as five lunar months, rather than five calendar months

Question 17

what did James Nayler do

Answer 17

he re-enacted Christ’s entry to Jerusalem

Question 18

what did Quakers reject and encourage

Answer 18

• rejected the need for ordained ministers
• encouraged each worshipper to follow their own conscience

Question 19

what were Quakers recognised as in the 1650s

Answer 19

as one of the most dangerous sects

Question 20

how did MPs make an example of Nayler

Answer 20

one MP after another rose to denounce Naylers blasphemy

Question 21

what did the commons impose upon Nayler

Answer 21

a punishment of mutilation

Question 22

Cromwell’s definition of religious tolerance didn’t include who and why

Answer 22

didn’t include groups such as the Quakers as he believed they disturbed the public peace

Question 23

but what was Cromwell concerned about involving the MPs reaction to the Nayler case

Answer 23

concerned by MPs not making a distinction between such groups and more moderate groups

Question 24

example of moderate groups according to Cromwell

Answer 24

Baptists

Question 25

Consequence of the James Nayler case

Answer 25

Case persuaded Cromwell that the single-chamber parliament would benefit from a check of an upper house

Question 26

what did the rump parliament adopt after the readmission of MPs after Pride’s Purges

Answer 26

adopted a cautious approach to policy and legalisation

Question 27

what emerged during the nominated assembly

Answer 27

conservatism of most of its members led to clashes with the radical wing

Question 28

who was Colonel Harrison and what did he influence Cromwell to do

Answer 28

• fifth monarchist
• influenced Cromwell to replace the Rump with a body of godly men

Question 29

what did the conservatives in the assembly oppose in regards to the radicals

Answer 29

opposed the radicals’ push to abolish tithes and the court of chancery