England 1603

England at the beginning of the 17th century

Monarchy -: the head of the political system which ruled and reigned

Parliament -: House of Commons - elected MPs (Knights of shires ad burgesses)

House of Lords (more powerful than House of Commons) - nobles, law lords, bishops and leading loyals

The Divine Right of Kings -: Kings were God's representatives on earth

The Kings were carrying out God's will on earth

The Royal Prerogative -: had the right to:

• Give out titles of honour

• Choose Royal Council

• Conduct foreign policy

• Appoint judges

• Call or dismiss parliament

• Issue royal proclamations e.g. the right to declare war and peace

Privy Council -: advisers of the head of state where the members were key government ministers, MPs and nobles who were appointed by the King. They came before the monarch and the King didn’t have to take their advice

Royal Court -: were the highest ranking in political life and worked on a system of patronage which meant they were loyal to the monarchy and were therefore influenced by the monarchy. They were a group of politicians and people who were loyal to the King

Parliament's powers, rights and views -: They only had the power to vote for subsidies. However, they didn't see that as their only role. They had the right to:

• Freedom of speech

• Freedom from arrest

• Settle disputed elections

The lead role was often taken by the House of Lords who consisted of peers of the realm and bishops. Most of the king’s advisers would be represented in Parliament and would take the lead in explaining the crown’s position and outlining its needs.

Parliament was not part of the government and there were no parties in the House of Commons and there wasn’t consistent opposition

Crown's view of Parliamentary rights and powers - : they saw Parliament as…