Home » Elizabethan England government complexities

Elizabethan England government complexities

National bodies, regional bodies, decision making, power

Contents

Complex is one word to describe the Elizabethan England government; the era that was ruled by Queen Elizabeth I. The Elizabethan government was a complex one and divided into national bodies, and then these bodies are again divided into regional bodies. And then there were the country and the community bodies and the court system of the Elizabethan government.

How did the Elizabethan Government work?

The government was ruled and headed by Queen Elizabeth I, the last ruler from the Tudor dynasty and was considered by many as England’s best monarch. The government at that time was considered as a personal monarchy with ministers. It was considered as a personal monarchy since the head selected the ministers that she wanted.

complexities of the Elizabethan England government

And the monarch’s personality played and determined the style of governance, the intensity and efficiency of the government. Queen Elizabeth was more than a figurehead, she was the ruler. And her standing in the government was further enhanced by the concept of the ‘Divine Right of King’ which gave the queen the standing of a ‘demi-god’. Because Queen Elizabeth I was the ruler of the Elizabethan era, she was the ultimate decider of the issues every time the Parliament held their meetings.

Elizabethan Laws

And in order to dispense the right decisions on matters that ranged from education to war, the Queen was aided by various counsellors on many subjects and issues. Laws that need to be passed always needed her consent, but the Queen has no authority to pass a law all by herself. In order to pass one, she needed to draw a Bill and have the bill forwarded to the Parliament.

complexities of the Elizabethan England government

Still, the Queen during those times has the power to make laws called the Royal Proclamations, without the need for the consent of the Parliament. With these powers, the Queen was still not above the law. The Privy Council worked for the Queen during the Elizabethan era. The council was a group of advisers that aided the Queen on many issues at hand.

Why was it important to be in the Elizabethan court?

The court was the centre of political power and control during the Elizabethan period. It was, therefore, the most important place to go if someone wished to be noticed by the nobility or the queen. Wealthy businessmen and merchants used to pay visits to the court to win the queen’s favour.

They also hoped that their service to the country could win them reward from the queen and make them men of importance in the court.

Elizabethan nobility and Privy Council
Elizabethan nobility and Privy Council

Elizabethan Government Parliament

The Parliament on the Elizabethan government was made up of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Only the queen could call or dismiss the Parliament. Although elections were conducted before the session of each new parliament, very few people actually had the right to vote.

The role of the parliament was to grant special taxation and pass laws. They would also provide advice to the monarch.

How many times did Elizabeth call Parliament?

The Parliament was called ten times during the right of Queen Elizabeth I.

The Elizabethan Privy Council

The Privy Council consisted of the important courtiers, advisors and the noblemen in the monarch’s court. There were about 19 members in the Privy council. They were all chosen by monarch. The Privy council meetings were supervised by the queen herself and they met around thrice a week.

The Privy council
The Privy council

What was the main role of the Privy Council?

The privy council would debate the issues of the state and provide advice to the queen. They would watch over the law and order of the state and also make sure that the queen’s decision was executed properly. They would also monitor the Parliament proceedings.

Who was Elizabeth’s Secretary of State?

The Secretary of States was the most important Privy councillor of Elizabeth. He would advise the queen about the most important issues and the matters that could affect the Crown. The most prominent Secretary of States to Elizabeth was Sir William Cecil.

Complexities of the Elizabethan England government

Routine administration on matters related to religion, security, economics and the welfare of the people are left on the hands of the council. Matters of national and individual interests are covered by the council. The Privy Council was advisory in nature; as it only advised the Queen on most matters. The composition of the Council was the choice of the Queen.

complexities of the Elizabethan England government

The Parliament was another noteworthy feature of the Elizabethan England government. This body was divided into the House of Lords consisted of aristocrats and the bishops, and the House of Commons. The Parliament during the era was the one tasked to deal with financial matters like taxes. The body also helped pass a number of laws. To be exact, the Parliament under Queen Elizabeth I passed 438 laws in all.

Elizabethan Era Facts

The Elizabethan Parliament was also tasked to advise the Queen, though the Queen never solicited the advice of the body. The Queen decided if the body was to be called, and throughout the reign of Queen Elizabeth I the Parliament was called ten times.

Regional governments were also created in order to help the Queen oversee other parts of England and Royal Representatives was appointed as well to ensure that laws were followed. Courts were created and the most important was the Great Sessions Courts or called the Assizes and the Quarter Sessions Courts.

Found info useful?