Patronage

Question 1

Extent of involvement

Answer 1

The Crown distributed offices (JPs, MPs, sheriffs, lieutenants) to loyal nobles and gentry, ensuring elite loyalty.
This system tied the political and financial interests of local elites to the success of the Tudor regime.
Used from Henry VII’s consolidation of power to Elizabeth’s management of rival factions through court appointments.

Question 2

Effectiveness

Answer 2

Patronage was effective in preventing rebellion, especially noble revolts, by giving families a vested interest in preserving stability.
However, it was limited in maintaining daily order — it offered loyalty, not enforcement.
Where it worked best was in enabling other systems (e.g. the JP network) to function smoothly with compliant elites.

Question 3

Breadth of impact

Answer 3

Targeted, not universal — focused on upper gentry and nobility, not the broader population.
Elite-focused cooperation helped enforce royal aims indirectly, by ensuring Crown policy was not obstructed.
Lacked the administrative reach of JPs or laws, but underpinned them by providing compliant local leadership.