Cromwell and Government

Question 1

What were the problems with the Royal Council?

Answer 1

1. There would no rules governing how meetings should be organised.
2. Topics of discussion were not officially recorded.
3. Very few attended meetings, but in theory it had 100 members.
4. Decisions were not officially recorded.
5. Ended up dominated by one person.

Question 2

What were his reforms to the Royal Council?

Answer 2

1. He created a newer, simpler version of the Royal Council known as the Privy Council. It was made up of 20 permanent advisors.
2. Most of them were lawyers and professional administrators rather than untrained members.
3. A clerk was appointed to to record decisions.

Question 3

How did he create one system of government?

Answer 3

The North of England had a long tradition on independence:
1. 1536 Act, abolishing Franchises and Liberties, the north came under firm control.
2. The Council of the North, a royal body set up in 1472, was strengthened. Made a permanent institution and given responsibility for maintaining law and order.
3. Act Of Union 1536, Wales was made a part of England.

Question 4

Why did he reform Royal Finance?

Answer 4

1. Routine tasks, such as keeping close eye on expenditure and income, bored Henry so he rarely got involved.
2. No formal rules outlining how the King’s Chamber should be run. Accounts were not properly kept.
3. The Diss of Mon brought a dramatic increase of money and they couldn’t cope.

Question 5

What was the Court of Augmentations and the Court of First Fruits and Tenths?

Answer 5

1. Court of Augmentations: created in 1536, created to deal with income and property from the DoM.
2. Court of First Fruits and Tenths: created in 1540, which collected tax from clergy that went to Rome.
3. Each department was routinely and carefully checked to ensure they were acting appropriately.
4. By moving these powers from the Royal Household Henry did not have to get involved of the routine tasks.

Question 6

What were the issues with parliament?

Answer 6

1. Parliament was a minor institution and was summoned only occasionally to approve taxation.
2. Only 203 Acts between 1509-1531 mainly on taxation. Between 1532-1540, 333 Acts were passed.

Question 7

What tactics did he use to make sure that MPs were well managed and did exactly what he wanted?

Answer 7

1. King’s minister he controlled parliamentary business, ensuring his proposals were put forward.
2. As an elected MP, he sat in the House of Commons he was able to guide debates.
3. He personally drafted the laws.