Henry VII's Government

• Who is the central figure of the Tudor government during Henry VII's reign?

  Henry VII, the monarch
• What was the composition of the council in Tudor government?


  The council was made up of a small group of around six or seven people, including nobility, clergy, gentry, or lawyers.
• What were the three main functions of the council?

  To advise the King, make legal judgments, and look after the country.
• How could the council meet and make decisions?


  The council could meet separately and decide key administrative issues without the King present.
• What was the significance of key members in the council?


  The importance of the council mainly relied on key members and its offshoots, such as the Council Learned in Law.
• Who were some key figures in the Tudor government?

  John Morton, Sir Reginald Bray, Edmund Dudley, and Sir Richard Empson.
• What role did John Morton play in Henry VII's government?


  He was made Lord Chancellor and was extremely talented in financial matters.
• What positions did John Morton hold during his career?


  He became Archbishop of Canterbury in 1486 and a cardinal in 1493.
• How did Sir Reginald Bray contribute to Henry VII's reign?


  He helped raise money before the Battle of Bosworth and was Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
• What was the role of the Council Learned in Law?


  It was designed to manage the King's fiscal matters and exploit the King's prerogative rights.
• What were the consequences of the actions taken by the Council Learned in Law?

  Many cases were falsified to earn revenue for the crown, leading to later executions.
• What was the Great Council in Tudor government?


  The Great Council was a gathering of the House of Lords and House of Commons that met infrequently.
• What were the main functions of Parliament during Henry VII's reign?


  To pass laws and grant taxation to the crown.
• How often did Parliament meet during Henry VII's reign?


  Parliament met only a few times, typically at the start of Henry's reign.
• What was the significance of the acts of attainder passed by Henry VII?


  They declared individuals guilty without a trial, allowing the King to raise revenue.
• How did Henry VII manage local and regional governance?


  He built a reliable network of officials and relied on justices of the peace (JPs) to maintain law and order.
• What was the role of justices of the peace (JPs) in Tudor government?

  JPs maintained law and order in the countryside and were appointed from local landowners.
• How did Henry VII increase the power and responsibilities of JPs?


  He allowed them to conduct tax assessments, investigate complaints, and maintain law and order.
• What was the impact of Henry VII's governance on local areas?


  He managed to gain control in areas that were previously difficult to govern.
• What are the key components of the Tudor government structure under Henry VII?

  • Central figure: Henry VII (the monarch)
  • Council: Small group advising the King
  • Council functions: Advise the King, make legal judgments, manage the country
  • Key figures: John Morton, Sir Reginald Bray, Edmund Dudley, Sir Richard Empson
  • Great Council: Gathering of House of Lords and House of Commons
  • Parliament: Passed laws and granted taxation
  • Local governance: Justices of the peace (JPs) maintained law and order
• What were the strengths and weaknesses of the Council Learned in Law?

  Strengths:

  • Managed King's fiscal matters effectively
  • Exploited King's prerogative rights for revenue

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Many cases were falsified
  • Actions were technically illegal
  • Led to executions when Henry VIII came to the throne
• How did Henry VII's personal monarchy influence political power?

  • Political power depended on relationships with the King
  • Accession to the King was the main form of power
  • Courtiers sought support for legal issues
• What were the main taxation methods used during Henry VII's reign?

  • Acts of attainder: Declared individuals guilty without trial
  • Grant of tonnage and poundage: Right to raise revenue on imports and exports
  • 15th and 10th: Taxation based on the value of goods