James I and Parliaments

What did the Blessed Parliament from 1604 to 1610 do?

The first parliamentary session of James I's reign discussed the Bate's Case (1606), the failure of the Great Contract (1610) and impositions- these were opposing a duty on a particular good.

Why did the first parliament- the Blessed Parliament- dissolve?

- The Goodwin Case- Sir Goodwin, a known criminal, became an MP in the House of Commons.

- James demanded that Parliamentarians exclude Goodwin from Parliament- the Commons claimed that it was an election, this created tensions between Crown and Parliament.

How long did the first parliamentary session last, and how did it influence future parliamentary sessions?

- The 'Blessed Parliament' sat for 4 years, it dissolved in 1611

- This set the tone for Parliament over the next 40 years

Crown and Parliament had a significant difference in POV:

- James' position- he was not pleased that his power is being 'disputed on'

- He believed his power trumps parliamentary power

Parliament's position- they believed they had the right to debate freely on all matters

- They felt that increased taxes could only be justified able to exercise influence upon James' conduct of government business

When was James' Second Parliament- the 'Addled Parliament'?

It was in 1614 and only lasted 8 weeks

Why did the Addled Parliament dissolve?

It failed over monopolies and impositions, no legislation resulted from its sitting and because other things it threatened to withold supply until James abandoned impositions.

When was the 3rd Parliament and why did it dissolve?

It was from 1621-1622, and it dissolved because of factions and in-fighting over financial issues.

1st Parliamentary session of the 3rd Parliament- how much did James ask for to fund the war, and what happened?

James asked Parliament for £500,000 but he was only granted £150,000.

- The first parliamentary session was from Jan- May 1621- Parliament made demands:

- That war be declared on Spain

- To impeach James' Lord Chancellor- Francis Bacon on charges of corruption

- To, also, impeach Sir Francis Mitchell and Sir Giles Mompesson- they had been granted monopolies over the licensing of inns by Buckingham (the favourite)

In the 2nd Parliamentary session of the 3rd Parliament what happened?

- The second Parliamentary session from Nov 1621 to Jan 1622- the MPs attacked the Spanish match and wanted a re-introduction of recusancy laws against Catholics

- James attempted to shut down Parliament with an angry letter on the 14th of December on the grounds that his royal prerogative was being usurped.

- Parliament responded in a Protestation recorded in the, 'Journal of the House'

James dissolved Parliament in January 1622.

How much did James ask Parliament for in the 2nd Parliamentary session of the 3rd Parliament? How much did Parliament grant him?

King James I asked Parliament for £900,000, they granted him £70,000

When was the 'Happy Parliament'?

1624

Why was it called the 'Happy Parliament'? (and what occurred)

- James wanted both parties to forget or push aside past grievances.

- Charles and Buckingham were pro-war and used Parliament to push their agenda, Parliament gave £300,000 but the lack of an army or navy fit for war would ensure that it would be a disaster.

- The Monopolies Act was passed- resolved a long-standing grievance.

Cranfield was impeached and convicted of corruption:

- He opposed war with Spain

- He had incurred the hostility of Charles and Buckingham as his cost-cutting measures threatened Buckingham's power

Factions and favourites became intertwined with the matter of foreign policy