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Explain what was important about Charles II's relationship with Parliament. - AQA - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 2
Explain what was important about Charles II's relationship with Parliament.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain what was important about Charles II's relationship with Parliament. - AQA - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain the significance of Charles II's relationship with Parliament
Answer
Charles II's relationship with Parliament was crucial for several reasons, particularly in the context of the Restoration period after the English Civil War.
Firstly, the king's reliance on Parliament for finances was significant. After the Restoration in 1660, Parliament had the power to grant or deny funds, which made the monarchy vulnerable to Parliamentary demands. Charles II often faced difficulties in balancing his desire for royal prerogative with the need for Parliamentary approval, which led to tensions throughout his reign.
Secondly, Charles II's approach toward religion also played a key role in his interactions with Parliament. He attempted to promote religious tolerance and wished to undo some of the restrictions imposed by the Clarendon Code, which had limited the rights of Catholics and nonconformists. This was met with resistance from a predominantly Anglican Parliament, leading to conflicts that affected his relationship with lawmakers.
Furthermore, the issue of foreign policy—especially relations with France—also impacted the dynamic between the king and Parliament. The king's alliance with Catholic France raised suspicions among Protestant members of Parliament, breeding further distrust and complicating legislative processes.
In summary, Charles II's relationship with Parliament was marked by his dependence on it for finances, conflict over religious policies, and the influence of foreign alliances. These factors created a complex interplay that shaped the governance of England during his reign.
Step 2
Discuss the consequences of the relationship between Charles II and Parliament
Answer
The tensions between Charles II and Parliament had several significant consequences.
One primary consequence was the establishment of a more defined constitutional framework. The ongoing disputes forced Charles to acknowledge the role of Parliament, shaping the future of the monarchy and paving the way for more parliamentary power in governance.
Additionally, the conflicts over religion led to the formation of various political factions within Parliament, which would influence English politics for years to come. The king's desire for tolerance created divides and suspicions that would echo through subsequent reigns, particularly in light of the religious conflicts that characterized later events in English history.
Ultimately, Charles II's relationship with Parliament set the stage for the Glorious Revolution of 1688, as the unresolved issues regarding royal authority and parliamentary power would again come to the fore, leading to substantial changes in the monarchy.