Elizabeth I - Government

Question 1

How did Elizabeth enhance her powers as a queen?

Answer 1

• Promoted a strong image reflecting strength and wealth through her coronation.
• Used monopolies to gain popularity amongst nobility and merchants alike.

Question 2

The Privy Chamber:

Answer 2

• Most private area of Elizabeth’s court
• Less influence than previous monarchs (H7+H8)
• Administered as a court of law and board in the star chamber.
• Enforce the 1559 religious settlement
• Justices of the Peace investigated different churches to see if they were up to par with the new laws
• Managed funds with the Lord treasurer and exchequer

Question 3

Factional Rivalries: Dudley vs Leicester

Answer 3

• Earl of Leicester aimed to marry Elizabeth in 1564.
• Dudley plotted to marry Duke of Norfolk to Mary, Queen of Scots, leading to Northern Rebellion in 1569.
• Dudley disagreed with Elizabeth on some policies and used patronage to promote similar beliefs.
• Leicester, a radical politician, supported policies to eradicate Catholicism.
• He wanted further church reforms, stronger persecution of English Catholics, military intervention, and alliance with France against Spain.

Question 4

Factional Rivalries: Earl of Essex

Answer 4

• Failed military campaign in Ireland.
• 1601: Launched the Essex Rebellion against Elizabeth.
• Frozen out of court by Cecil.
• Executed.

Question 5

How did Elizabeth view her Parliament?

Answer 5

• Nessesary but occasional
• Largely secondary in Elizabethan government
• Onyl called 13 Parliamentary sessions, 2 of which were asking for revenue to be granted

Question 6

Times Elizabeth cooperated with Parliament:

Answer 6

• Elizabeth’s parliament passed 438 acts, including the Act of Supremacy and Uniformity in 1589.
• Elizabeth received money on most occasions she requested it, including subsidies to suppress Northern rebellion and tighten Catholic laws.
• Imprisonment of Peter Wentworth and Grant of Subsidy in February-March 1576.

Question 7

Times Elizabeth had conflict with Parliament:

Answer 7

• Elizabeth was uninterested in MPs’ advice, especially on issues questioning her royal prerogative.
• Elizabeth refused royal assent to some bills, including those on succession/marriage (had Peter Wentworth arrested for doing this what a queen).
• Elizabeth refused to back calls for the execution of Duke of Norfolk and Mary’s execution.

Question 8

The Golden Speech:

Answer 8

• 1601
• Delivered impressive performance.
• Drew veil over poor relations.
• Many MPs left chamber in tears.

Question 9

Justices of the Peace:

Answer 9

• Appointed from gentry and merchant class.
• Settled disputes and punished offenders.
• Average 50 per county.
• Some ignored unpopular policies.
• Used position for self-gain.