Elizabethan Government

• The Queen was the head of government. She was advised by her Privy Council, which included her key ministers. Laws made at the national level were enforced by local government.
• What was the role of local government?

  To supervise the running of each country
• Why did members of the nobility and gentry volunteer for local government positions?

  It was a symbol of status and power
• What was an important local government position mentioned?

  Justice of the Peace
• What were Justices of the Peace responsible for?

  Administering national policies and enforcing law
• Who appointed the Lord Lieutenant?

  The Queen
• What was the military role of the Lord Lieutenant?

  Maintaining defences and training the militia
• How did the number of Justices of the Peace and Lord Lieutenants change towards the end of the 16th century?

  Their numbers increased significantly
• What additional responsibility did Elizabeth have for Justices of the Peace during the war?

  To collect extra taxes to fund the war
• Why was there a higher demand for Lord Lieutenants after 1585?

  Military preparations became more important
• What was central to Elizabethan government?

  The Privy Council
• What were the two main roles of the Privy Council?

  To advise the Queen and manage government
• What did the Privy Council ensure regarding Elizabeth's policies?

  That they were enforced
• Which areas of government did the Privy Council oversee?

  Religion, economy, military, foreign policy, security
• How many men typically made up the Privy Council?

  Around twenty men
• Who chose the members of the Privy Council?

  Elizabeth
• What was the relationship between the Queen and the Privy Council's advice?

  The Queen didn't have to follow it
• What were councillors expected to do regarding the Queen's instructions?

  Carry out her instructions
• What does it imply about the Privy Council that councillors had to follow the Queen's instructions?

  It indicates the Queen's ultimate authority
• What type of advisors were members of the Privy Council?

  Close and trusted advisors
• How long did some key ministers serve on the Privy Council?

  For many years
• Who was Elizabeth's closest advisor?

  William Cecil
• What position did Elizabeth appoint William Cecil to when she became queen?

  Principal Secretary
• What role did William Cecil play in the government?

  He led the Privy Council and ensured smooth governance
• What title did Elizabeth give to Cecil in 1571?

  Lord Burghley
• What position did Cecil hold in 1572?

  Lord High Treasurer
• Until what year did Cecil serve Elizabeth?

  1598
• Who was Lord Chancellor from 1559 to 1579?

  Nicholas Bacon
• What position did Francis Walsingham hold in 1573?

  Principal Secretary
• How do some historians view Cecil's contribution to Elizabeth's success?

  As crucial due to his remarkable skills
• What were the key roles of William Cecil in Elizabeth's government?

  • Principal Secretary
  • Led the Privy Council
  • Lord Burghley
  • Lord High Treasurer
  • Managed royal finances
• Unlike today, I’m the 16th century the monarch held more power than Parliament, which was only a secondary part of government. Its sessions were temporary and occasional, and its powers were limited.
• There were Two Chambers of Parliament


  . The House of Lords was not elected - it was made up of members of the nobility and senior churchmen.

  . The House of Commons was elected, but only men who owned property over a certain value were allowed to vote. Elections weren’t free - the Crown controlled who got elected in some areas, and in others powerful local figures controlled who was chosen.
• What are the main functions of Parliament?

  Advice, Taxation, and Legislation
• How did Parliament serve as a point of contact for the Queen?

  It helped gauge the mood and support levels
• What did the Queen need to do to raise taxes?

  Ask Parliament's permission
• Why did the Queen need Parliament's approval?

  To pass new laws
• How could the Queen bypass Parliament's legislative function?

  By issuing royal proclamations
• What was Elizabeth's view on the advice from Members of Parliament?

  She took little interest in their advice
• What did Elizabeth consider Parliament's main purpose?

  To grant her taxes