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Court Party

A political faction in Stuart Britain supporting general toleration of dissenters and Catholics, strengthening ties with France, and manipulating Parliament through Crown patronage.

Country Party

A political faction in Stuart Britain enforcing a rigid Church of England, defending Protestantism, opposing dissenters and Catholics, and distrusting the government's corruption.

Earl of Clarendon

Charles II's Chief Minister who faced downfall due to lack of support, alienation of the King, and mismanagement of opposition in Parliament during the Second Anglo-Dutch War.

The Cabal

A group of ministers under Charles II marked by internal quarrels, lack of unity, and untrustworthiness, leading to their unpopularity and eventual downfall.

Earl of Danby

Chief Minister who established a 'Court' party through patronage, leading to the development of a rival 'Country' party resentful of his influence and charges of assuming royal powers.

Tories

By c.1680, they were anti-Exclusionist, believed in the Divine Right of Kings, defended the Church of England, and saw the threat of absolutism from dissenters and Parliament.

Whigs

By c.1680, they were Exclusionist, believed in civil authority from the people, supported resistance to tyranny, saw the threat of absolutism from Catholicism, and favored religious toleration for Protestant dissenters.