Government

How did the government work under Elizabeth I?

Elizabeth, as monarch, had royal prerogative. This meant only she could make decisions on certain issues, such as succession. However, she did rely on her court, Parliament and Privy Council for some matters.

Who controlled the Elizabethan government?

The queen had the most power, as she controlled the royal court, Parliament and Privy Council.

How much control did the queen have over the Elizabethan government?

The queen had control over the following things:

• ❖ She controlled foreign policy.
• ❖ She could dispense lands, money and jobs to people.
• ❖ She could accept or reject parliamentary legislation.

What were key features of the royal court in Elizabethan government?

The royal court and the government were not the same thing. Court was a collection of people, or courtiers.

• ❖ The court was the centre of political power and the source for trends and fashion.
• ❖ The court was very extravagant and consisted of the highest nobles down to ladies-in-waiting and servants.
• ❖ The court would follow Elizabeth wherever she went across the country.
• ❖ It held many tournaments, jousts, plays and feasts; success in a tournament could get you noticed by Queen Elizabeth I. However, banishment from court was considered a disgrace.

How did the queen control her court as part of the Elizabethan government?

Elizabeth used patronage, rewards of monopolies, and the bestowal of favour upon people in order to be able to motivate and control courtiers.

Why was the court important to the Elizabethan government?

Elizabethan court was important in many ways.

• ❖ Firstly, court greeted many artists and explorers from around the world, making it centre stage for the English Renaissance.
• ❖ Secondly, attendance at court was desirable, so Elizabeth used it to ensure the loyalty of nobles.

What was the Privy Council in Elizabeth I's government?

The Privy Council consisted of 19 men who advised the monarch and met at least three times each week. They had two main functions.

• ❖ The Privy Council was responsible for the day-to-day running of the country and its members were Elizabeth's main advisers.
• ❖ They also negotiated between Parliament and the Crown. William Cecil did this particularly effectively, and was a strong advocate in Parliament of Elizabeth's policies.

How were the councillors chosen to be part of Elizabeth I's government ?

Elizabeth chose her councillors carefully, ensuring they were people she could trust but also retaining previous council members from her predecessors. She was successful in ensuring they worked loyally for her.

Who were the important figures in the Privy Council within the Elizabethan government?

Some important Privy Council members were:

• ❖ William Paulet.
• ❖ Walter Mildmay.
• ❖ Christopher Hatton.
• ❖ Philip Sidney.
• ❖ Thomas Radclyffe, Earl of Sussex.

What role did Parliament play in Elizabethan government?

Parliament was divided into the House of Lords and the House of Commons, but it had much less power than parliament today. It could pass laws and grant increased taxation, but Elizabeth kept it under tight control and only called it 13 times in her 45-year reign.

What was the Queen's relationship like with Parliament during Elizabethan government?

During her reign, MPs became more assertive and were in conflict with Elizabeth about the following:

• ❖ Parliament wanted Elizabeth to marry and produce an heir to secure the line of succession.
• ❖ Some Puritan MPs disagreed with the Religious Settlement and threatened not to grant her taxes.
• ❖ Peter Wentworth argued that MPs did not have freedom of speech. As a result, he was sent to the Tower of London for a month.
• ❖ Some MPs argued that monopolies were unfair and were being abused. In 1597-8 and 1601 they protested against them.

Who were the advisers in Elizabeth I's government?

Elizabeth had three key advisers:

• ❖ William Cecil was appointed Secretary of State in 1558. He was her most important minister and guided her for 40 years.
• ❖ Robert Dudley was known as the Earl of Leicester and was a trusted adviser until he died in 1588. He and Elizabeth were very close and it was rumoured they were lovers.
• ❖ Sir Francis Walsingham was in charge of the secret service and advised on foreign affairs. In 1586, he uncovered the plot that led to the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots.

What was the role of Lord Lieutenants in the Elizabethan government?

These were appointed by Elizabeth. They collected taxes and settled arguments. They were also responsible for raising armies to fight for the queen. This position could lead to great power and influence.

What was the role of Justices of the Peace in Elizabeth I's government?

Each county had several justices of the peace who kept order. They were selected from the gentry and had to enforce laws. Justices of the peace worked voluntarily but their position held a lot of status.