James I's Background & Succession

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  • James I's Background & Succession
    • What was government like  when he received the crown?
      • Couldn't afford a standing army or police force
      • Whilst in Parliament, MP's had freedom from arrest
      • Parliament advised the King
      • King appointed all councillors, judges and JPs
      • Parliament only sat for 3 years and 4 months between 1603 and 1629
      • King was meant to 'live of his own' - pay for the running of the kingdom himself
      • Only Parliament could issue taxes for the King
    • Elizabeth I's legacy... James's problems
      • A lot of revenue was lost to low paid tax collectors who took a share of taxes
      • Religion was divided (Catholics and Puritans)
      • Royal ministers wanted to increase royal revenue
      • Elizabeth had sold Crown Lands for money
      • New sources of income had to be found (which would make him unpopular)
      • He would have to rely on Parliament for tax (means more power for them)
    • His background
      • Protestant
      • Had ruled Scotland as James VI
      • Took the throne of England after Elizabeth's death in 1603 (she died without an heir)
    • The Wisest Fool in Christendom?
      • Clever (he wrote many books)
      • Experienced as a King (ruled Scotland)
      • Disliked war
    • Unpopular personal qualities
      • Liked handsome, young men
      • Spent too much money
      • Believed in the Divine Right of Kings

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