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Strengths
- Charles had overall power in the country, in short he had the last word. His power was higly concentrated especially without Parliament.
- The Divine Right of Kings.
- Respect and Reverance from his subjects.
- Symbol of tradition and authority.
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Weaknesses
- Poor financial state - taxes were badly collected and not sustaining his life style in the way he would like.
- Easily pushed around by his wife and advisors; often bullied into making the wrong decision.
- Many were starting to question his style of rule denouncing it as Absolutist.
- Charles was increasingly distant from his people as demonstrated by his court which comprised of many foreigners and or Catholics. His subjects felt their King was distant and out of touch.
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Opportunities
- Lack of Parliament since 1629 - Charles has more independance on his own issues.
- Increased revenue due to new taxes and more income overall.
- Strafford had succeded with his policy of Thorough for the King in the North of England. The King was now in charge of a more efficient country in theory.
- Charles realised and resolved some of his problems without the need of Parliament; for example he ended costly wars with France and Spain and had his personal finances looked at.
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Threats
- Many criticised his religious policy especially with his Arminian views. Many considered he and Laud to be Catholic and determined to make England and Scotland the same.
- The Scots were in uproar over said religious policies and were up in arms through the covenant.
- Charles had lost the First Bishop's war. The Scots were in Newcastle and Charles doesn't know where to turn.
- Charles needs money and the only one's who can grant him it are Parliament who have many grievances they want addressing beforehand.
- Charles' taxes were being questioned highly and many had simply decided not to pay; they considered them to be unfair and illegal as they weren't approved by Parliament.
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