The Political Nation, social basis of power and James I

17th Century monarch was the elite member in the political system. No true democracy. Prerogative powers enabled them to control these areas of gov: 

• Declaring war. 
• Sign treaties with foreign powers. 
• Call and dissolve P. 
• Appoint a privy council of their own choosing for the day-to-day running of gov. 
• Controlled some sources of income such as money from feudal dues and custom duties. 

However, they faced these restrictions: 

• In order to pass legislation, P had to be called. MPs could debate and lead to conflict. 
• Normal crown rev didn't fulfill its purpose, especially due to war. P was relied on for the approval of new taxes. 

Composed of those people who were involved in political activity at national and local levels. Essentially consisted of the nobility and gentry, some professionals as well as wealthy merchants who were normally based in London. It formed no more than 1% of the population.

Power of the PN based on these factors: 

• Property qualification £2 annual to vote. 
• Members carried out national roles in politics (PC or MP) 
• Wealth was based on land ownership. 
• Urbanisation increased, London overtook Paris to become the largest city in West Europe around 1640. London was on the path to becoming the centre of an Empire that controlled colonies in North America and the Caribbean. Those that benefiteed from London's growth were able to join the PN. 

Came to the throne in 1603 after becoming James VI of Scotland in 1566. Mother (Mary) was a cousin of EI, making James the heir. 

• Intelligent, author of a number of books such as a guide to hunting witches entitled 'Daemonologie in 1597. 
• James' father was murdered along with his mother's execution due to Catholic plots against EI. Lifelong fear of threats to his throne. 
• Thorough education, tutors schooled him in Presbyterian doctrine. 
• Vain and Shallow, spent huge sums on clothes and art. 
• Extremely trusting of Scot advisers, leading to his string of favourites. 
• Believed strongly in the Divine Right of Kinds, published 'The True Law of Free Monarchies' in 1598. In it he claimed God places Kings on the thone, kings are able to act above the law and P served the King.