ELIZABETH - GOVERNMENT

1.ROYAL COURT: followed her wherever she went - they had two main areas: the Presence Chamber and the Privy Chamber. The Presence Chamber was open to anyone with the right status or connections however the Privy Chambers was more private and more important as the Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber no longer had the same access to the monarch as they had previously. Admin of the Privy Chamber was monitored - coming under the jurisdiction of the Lord Chamberlain (3 of the LC were her relatives). Ceremonial aspects of country life became more important as she turned politicians into countries and her courtiers into politicians.

PRIVY COUNCIL: main formal body with the queen’s ministers came together/ responsible for policy advice and administration/met regularly with most meetings attracting an attendance of about 10 members/however Liz did consulted with ministers on an individual bases so their position as a decision making body should not be overestimated.

-ELIZABETH: fully intended to rule as well as reign due to her traumatic adolescence she developed political skills needed for survival. William Cecil was established as Liz’s key minister at the start of her reign he dominated Council. He was joined in the council by close associates such as Sir Nicholas Bacon, Francis Russell Earl of Bedford and Sir Francis Knollys. They also had conservatives such as Lord Treasure Marquis of Winchester and earls of Sussex and Shrewsbury. However offices usually kept them aways from court and reduced their political influence. Robert Dudley joined council in 1562 (liz’s fav) . Privy Council was reshaped in 1570 and the influence of conservatives decreased after the downfall and execution of Norfolk and the death of Lord Treasure. 1570 nucleus of firmly Protestant councillors were appointed 6 of hem to 2 conservatives.

The council offered cohesive decsion making but was disputed over foreign policy and a breakdown in relations between Liz and her Privy Council   

Due to the execution of Mary Queen of Scots in 1587 other than that Lis’s ministers served her well.

PROBLEMS WITH LIZ’S COUNCIL FROM 1580

1.a number of her ministers died/ death of Earl of Leicester in Sep…