the difficulties of a female ruler

• Why was Parliament important during Elizabeth's reign?

  It advised the monarch and helped govern
• What role did the House of Commons play in Parliament?

  It represented ordinary people
• What did MPs grant the monarch when necessary?

  Taxes
• What was the main reason for calling Parliament?

  To grant taxes for defence or wars
• How did Elizabeth manage Parliament effectively?

  By summoning, proroguing, and dissolving sessions
• How did Elizabeth influence MPs?

  By influencing elections and using patronage
• Who did Elizabeth appoint to guide discussions in Parliament?

  Her own Privy Councillors
• What sensitive topics did Elizabeth avoid discussing in Parliament?

  Her marriage and succession
• What power did Elizabeth use to reject laws from Parliament?

  Veto
• What helped Elizabeth manage Parliament effectively?

  Her strong personality and political skill
• What issues were discussed by Elizabeth's Parliaments?

  • Religion: Act of Supremacy and Uniformity
  • Finance: Taxes and Crown funding
  • National security: Invasion threats and rebellions
  • Social issues: Poverty and trade laws
  • Marriage and succession: Urging Elizabeth to marry
• How often did Elizabeth summon Parliament between 1558 and 1603?

  10 times
• What was the total length of Parliament sessions during Elizabeth's reign?

  140 weeks
• Why were most MPs hesitant to challenge Elizabeth?

  They feared her power and authority
• Who was Peter Wentworth?

  An MP who challenged Elizabeth's principles
• What were the limits on Parliament's power during Elizabeth's reign?

  • Did not meet regularly
  • Most MPs were business-oriented
  • MPs could be punished for dissent
  • Many MPs were loyal to Elizabeth
  • Some challenged her, like Wentworth
• What was crucial for political stability during Elizabeth's reign?

  A secure succession
• What risk did Elizabeth face if she died without an heir?

  Disputed succession leading to conflict
• Why did Elizabeth use the possibility of marriage as a diplomatic tool?

  To gain advantages in foreign policy
• How did Elizabeth view her relationship with England?

  She declared herself married to England
• How did Parliament respond to Elizabeth's refusal to marry?

  They frequently petitioned her to marry
• What did Elizabeth think about Parliament's pressure regarding her marriage?

  She saw it as an infringement on her prerogative
• Who was seen as a major threat to Elizabeth's succession?

  Mary, Queen of Scots
• What did the Succession Act of 1563 establish?

  It made it treason to question Elizabeth's authority
• What was the purpose of the Bond of Association drawn up in 1584?

  To execute anyone attempting to seize the throne
• What did Parliament push for regarding Mary, Queen of Scots?

  Her execution to remove a threat
• What was the outcome of Elizabeth's refusal to name an heir?

  The succession was settled after her death
• Why was Elizabeth reluctant to marry?

  • Sharing power with a husband
  • Risk of foreign domination
  • Jealousy among English nobles
  • Used marriage as a diplomatic tool
  • Declared herself married to England
• What was the time frame of Elizabeth's reign?

  1558 to 1603
• What were two ways Elizabeth's authority weakened between 1590 and 1603?

  Increased challenges from Parliament and public discontent
• Who was the Earl of Essex?

  A noble involved in a rebellion
• Why did Essex's rebellion take place?

  Due to political and personal grievances
• Why did Essex's rebellion fail?

  Lack of support and poor planning
• What were the consequences of Essex's rebellion?

  • Loss of support for Essex
  • Strengthened Elizabeth's authority
  • Increased scrutiny of noble actions
  • Impact on future rebellions