17h century England was torn between plitical and religious conflict. In 1625 Charles i had inherited the three British kingoms of England Ieland and Scotland who all had their own government, council, culture and religion. Due to the greater ealth and power of England it was made the dominant seat of government. Charle i believed he became king by Divin right but his execution in 1649 had showed that the king coulld be held responsible by not God alone but his subjects.
The centre of political life was the Royal Court made up of the monarchs friends, servants, associates, important office holders and some foreign ambassadors. Withi this was the Privy Council of the kings close frienss and advisers who advised him. Charles i was the head of the Church of England and appointed bishops and archbishops who controlled the lower clergy and excercised authority over the laity. It was a protestant church after Henry VIII had broken away from the catholic church and his daughter Elizabeth had imposed a protestant settlement. The Archbishop of Canterbury was usually part of the Privy Council. The Common Law Courtss were staffed by judges appointed by the king. At a ocal level the law was administered by JPs. At the lowest level it was assisted by parish officials, constables, overseers of the poor and church wardens whose actions the JPs were expected to supervise. Parliament had played a limited role in government but by 1625 it became a regular part within the polticial system.
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