Lesson 1: how society and government was organised 1558

• What was the life expectancy in 1558?

  28 to 45 years
• Why were people punished regarding religion in 1558?

  They had to follow the monarch's religion
• Where did 90% of the population live in 1558?

  In the countryside
• What characterized the boundaries between rich and poor in 1558?

  Most people were poor, few were rich
• What does the term 'hierarchy' refer to in Elizabethan society?

  A clear social structure of importance
• What is the hierarchy of Elizabethan society from top to bottom?

  1. Monarch
  2. Nobility
  3. Gentry
  4. Yeomen
  5. Tenant farmers
  6. Labouring poor
  7. Vagrants
• Who was at the top of the Elizabethan hierarchy?

  The monarch
• Who were the nobility in Elizabethan society?

  Members of the royal family with titles
• What role did the gentry play in Elizabethan society?

  They were landowners with power
• Who were the Yeomen in Elizabethan society?

  Men who owned smaller amounts of land
• What was the role of tenant farmers?

  They rented land from Yeomen
• Who were the labouring poor?

  People who worked for others
• What are vagrants?

  Those without work and homeless
• What was the expected role of the husband in an Elizabethan family?

  He was the head of the home
• What was expected of wives and children in Elizabethan families?

  They were to be obedient to the husband
• What was expected of individuals regarding their social status?

  To respect their place and not challenge
• Who were at the top of the social hierarchy in towns?

  Merchants
• What was Elizabeth's belief regarding her right to rule?

  She had the Divine Right from God
• What could Elizabeth do because of her belief in Divine Right?

  Make decisions without consulting others
• Who was Elizabeth's first Secretary of State?

  Sir William Cecil
• What was the role of the Secretary of State in Elizabeth's government?

  He was the closest advisor to Elizabeth
• What were the features of Elizabeth's government?

  • The Court: Close friends and advisers
  • The Privy Council: 19 advisors meeting thrice weekly
  • Parliament: Voted on laws, divided into two houses
  • Justices of the Peace: Maintained law and order
• What was the purpose of the Court in Elizabeth's government?

  To advise and support Elizabeth
• How many members were in the Privy Council?

  19 members
• How often did the Privy Council meet?

  Three times a week
• What was the role of Parliament in Elizabeth's government?

  To vote on laws
• What were the two houses of Parliament called?

  The House of Commons and House of Lords
• Who were the Justices of the Peace?

  Rich gentry or Yeomen maintaining order
• What was the role of Justices of the Peace?

  To keep law and order in their area
• What are the key terms related to Elizabethan society and government?

  • Hierarchy
  • Monarch
  • Nobility
  • Gentry
  • Yeomen
  • Vagrants
  • Court
  • Privy Council
  • Parliament
  • Justices of the Peace
  • Secretary of State
  • William Cecil