1) The situation on Elizabeth’s accession

• Elizabeth's government


  Had many different features and involved the court, the Privy Council, parliament, Lord Lieutenants and Justices of the Peace
• The court


  • Made up of noblemen who acted as the monarch's advisers and friends
  • Advised the monarch and helped display her wealth and power
  • Members could also be members of the Privy Council
• The Privy Council


  • Members who helped govern the country
  • Monitored parliament, Justices of the Peace and oversaw law and order and the security of the country
• Justices of the Peace

  • Large landowners appointed by government, who kept law and order locally and heard court cases
• Lord Lieutenants


  • Noblemen, appointed by government, who governed English counties and raised the local militia
• Elizabeth I became queen of England

  1558
• Parliament


  • Advised Elizabeth's government
  • Made up of the House of Lords and the House of Commons
• House of Lords


  Made up of noblemen and bishops
• House of Commons


  Elected, though very few people could vote
• Parliament


  1. Passed laws

  2. Approved taxes (extraordinary taxation)
• Elizabeth did not possess complete power. She could not pass laws without parliament's approval, or raise taxes without parliament's agreement