Government of the localities or counties was through nobilities and gentry. It was 'government of the county by the county for the county
It was dependent on mutual interest and good will. It had developed from a medieval system of the need to keep the 'King's peace' meaning law and order
To improve it and get it more efficient Charles issued the Book of Orders in January 1631: most of it was nothing new but it outline new practices for JPs and added penalities for non-compliance
Some reform was necessary as traditional practices were cumbersome but Charles called upon local officials to assist him with non-parliamentary methods which tested their patience and conscience