[1] power in Elizabethan England

Elizabeth and who supported/ surrounded her

Privy Council

19 nobles appointed by liz

they advised not controlled

dealt with internal threats, laws, foreign threat like wars and ambassadors

led by secretary of state

met 3x a week turned to everyday

Lords Lieutenants

appointed by Liz

govern areas

collected tax

raise military if needed

influential roles in privy council or court

Justices of the Peace

gentry

several in every country

maintain law and order

power to convict and sentence

(3 Ps) Patronage

secure support from courtiers

award titles, land and monopolies in return for support and obediance

corrupt but effective

(3 Ps) Progress

tour of royal court to nobles homes

Queen seen by public, building relations

made money as nobles would provide food

propaganda

(3 Ps) Performances

magnificent displays showing Liz’s power

lavish banquets showing glory

rehearsed

propaganda

Parliment

House of lords and House of Commons

grant taxes

passed laws

Queen decided when to call it

she did not have to accept the advice

Elizabeth’s power of Parliament

power to dissolve

topics banned - 1556 banned discussion on who she should marry

MP’s had seats through patronage

Elizabeth compromises in Parliament

acknowledged she needed to compromise

1597-8 argued that monopolies were unfair

1601 some were withdrawn

Elizabeth’s imprisonment in parliament

1576 Puritan MP Peter Wentworth complained they were not free to discuss what they likes

Liz sent him to Tower of London

William Cecil (close advisor)

secretary of state 1558

most important minister working with her for 40 years

protestant, concerned about Catholic threat

key role developing Poor laws and religious policies

Francis Walsingham (close advisor)

in charge of Liz’s secret service

‘spymaster’

responsible for Queen’s security

Puritan believed Catholics were a threat