1. elizabethan government

How successful was the government of Elizabeth I?

When was Elizabeth’s coronation?

15th January 1559

What was her coronation like?

It was splendid and colourful - show off the power of the new monarch.

How did portraits influence Elizabeth’s power and popularity?

• Made her look ageless, strong and powerful

• 1562 she got smallpox - portraits never showed scars

• used as a means of propaganda

How did progresses influence Elizabeth’s power and popularity?

She toured the countryside staying in the houses of her nobles. The purpose was for her to be seen by her subjects and for her to keep a watchful eye over the powerful noble families.

What was the Royal Court?

The centre of all political power during the Elizabethan England - they travelled with the queen when she went on her progresses.

What was the benefit of the Royal Court?

Elizabeth could have all her courtiers close so she could consult them and seek advice, as well has keep an eye on their activities and rivalries.

How did patronage help Elizabeth keep her control?

Ambitious nobles would try to be granted powerful positions - knowing that the queen had the power to make or break them kept nobles loyal and supportive.

Patronage generated rivalry which resulted in court factions.

What was the Privy Council?

Body of advisers and ministers, appointed by the Queen, to help her rule.

Who was Sir William Cecil?

• Lord Burghley

• Secretary of State

• Principle adviser - link between parliament and the monarch

• Very close to Elizabeth

Who was Robert Dudley?

• Earl of Leicester

• Close friends with Elizabeth- rumour of an affair

Who was Sir Francis Walsingham?

• spy master

• in charge of secret service

• uncovered lots of plots to get rid of Elizabeth

• key factor to her keeping control

What was the local government?

A trusted body of officials who ensured that Elizabeth’s rule was respected and that law and order was maintained.

Who was the Lord Lieutenant?

• chief among royal officials

• one appointed in each county

• in charge of local militia, justice of the peace and reported local effects to privy council

Who were the Justice of the Peace?

• 30-60 per county

• unpaid - saw job as duty, gave status

• legal documents, fixed prices and wages, gave licenses to beg

• administered poor relief

Who were the parish constable and night watchmen?

• patrolled the street looking out for criminals

• prevented trespassing and poaching

• kept order in taverns and inns

• watched out for vagabonds

Who were the overseers of the poor?

• organised and collected local tax from everyone in the parish and distributed the money to those in need of support and charity

On what occasions would Elizabeth call parliament?

• short of money - parliament could raise money through taxes

• pass acts of Parliament

• desired support and advice from MPs and Lords on important issues

• MOSTLY FINANCIAL

What problems were facing Elizabeth’s government?

• religion

• war

• funding

• Mary queen of Scots

• rebellion

What was freedom of speech like in parliament?

Elizabeth anointed the Speaker of the House of Commons and decided what topics were to be debated. Certain topics like foreign policy and religion were to be discussed by the Privy Council, not parliament.

How did Elizabeth pay off the Marian debt?

Court salaries were capped and the spending of the royal household was cut.