5A

Parliamentary Privilege

MPs' legal immunity allowing autonomy during proceedings without fear of repercussions, including free access to the Monarch, freedom from arrest during sessions, and freedom of speech.

Royal Prerogative

Monarch's authority derived from Divine Right to act independently, e.g., in foreign policy, as stated by James I in The True Law of Free Monarchies.

Union of England and Scotland

James I's failed attempt to unite the two nations, met with opposition from English MPs fearing loss of Common Law and King's favoritism towards Scots.

The Shirley Case

1604 incident where Thomas Shirley's arrest for debt challenged parliamentary privilege, leading to his release, the passing of The Privilege of Parliament Act, and a victory for Parliament's ancient liberties.

Wardship and Purveyance

Unpopular rights allowing the Crown to manage minors' estates and purchase provisions below market rate, respectively, opposed by MPs in James I's first Parliament.

Bancroft’s Canons

James I's refusal to allow Church reforms by Parliament, leading to the silencing of Puritan ministers and discontent among Members.

The Great Contract

Negotiations in James I's first Parliament for mutual trust and support between King and MPs failed due to lack of trust, alleged misdemeanors, and differing expectations.

The Addled Parliament of 1614

Parliament characterized by distrust, failed negotiations, and dissolution due to disputes over impositions, supply, and suspicions of royal manipulation.

The 1621 Parliament

James I's need for funding, economic depression, and debates over monopolies, leading to the suppression of harmful monopolies and the discovery of bribery by the Lord Chancellor.

James's Handling of Parliament

James allowed talented minister Bacon to be stripped of office, fined, and imprisoned to maintain good relations with Parliament, showing his willingness to sacrifice individuals for political stability.

Buckingham's Influence

Buckingham faced potential downfall as several of his clients were implicated in abuses of monopolies, leading to parliamentary pressure and the arrest of key figures like Sir Giles Mompesson.

The Spanish Match

The Commons pushed for Prince Charles to marry within their religion to secure Protestant alliances against Spain, triggering James's anger and threats to maintain his prerogative over matters of state.

The Protestation

In response to James's threats, MPs formalized their privileges in The Protestation, leading to a clash with the monarch over Parliament's right to discuss foreign policy.

The 1624 Parliament

Charles and Buckingham's determination for revenge against Spain led to a shift in parliamentary dynamics, with the Crown accepting conditions like the Subsidy Act and the Statute of Monopolies that limited royal authority.

Strengthening of MPs

The 1624 Parliament saw MPs restricting royal spending, impeaching ministers, and passing legislation that curbed aspects of the royal prerogative, marking a significant increase in parliamentary power.