Relations with Parliament (AQA GCSE History): Revision Notes
Relations with Parliament
Why Parliament was essential to Elizabeth's rule
Elizabeth was required to summon Parliament whenever she wanted to create new legislation or collect additional revenue through taxation. However, she sometimes encountered resistance from Parliament when trying to pass laws or raise the funds she needed for governing the country.
Parliament had gained significant importance since mediaeval times. Unlike earlier monarchs who could impose new taxes independently, Tudor monarchs needed Parliamentary approval for any new revenue collection.
Elizabeth's father, Henry VIII, had established a crucial principle: any taxes and legislation gained much greater authority when approved by Parliament, which consisted of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
This arrangement meant that Members of Parliament (MPs) and Lords could use their position to criticise government policies and even challenge the queen herself. Parliament could also function as a pressure group, particularly during the 1560s and early 1570s, when they pressured the queen to resolve the succession crisis by marrying and producing an heir.
Managing Parliament effectively
Elizabeth faced the challenging task of persuading Parliament to support her policies. This responsibility largely fell to privy councillors, many of whom held seats in Parliament and worked to convince both MPs and peers (members of the House of Lords) to approve the queen's proposals.
By 1569, managing the House of Lords had become relatively straightforward, as many peers were bishops or courtiers who supported the government. However, the House of Commons proved more difficult, requiring MPs to be persuaded through a combination of threats and bribes.
The House of Commons was significantly more challenging to manage than the House of Lords. While Lords were often bishops or courtiers loyal to the Crown, Commons contained independent-minded MPs who required careful persuasion and sometimes coercion.
Privy councillors often participated in key parliamentary committees to accelerate the introduction of new laws. Elizabeth sometimes personally attended these committee meetings to help 'persuade' MPs to support her legislation. The Crown could also influence Parliamentary elections through bribery and intimidation, helping ensure that elected MPs would be sympathetic to government policies.
Key issues debated in Elizabeth's Parliaments
The succession crisis
Many MPs wanted Elizabeth to find a husband quickly, marry, and produce an heir to resolve concerns about who would inherit the throne after her death. This would reduce the risk of civil war and foreign invasion that might follow an unclear succession.
Religion and the Church of England
The religious settlement of 1559 transformed England into a Protestant country. Parliament continued to debate religious matters in 1571 and 1597, addressing ongoing concerns about England's religious direction.
Taxation and subsidies
Parliament regularly discussed how much money should be raised through taxes at the monarch's request, balancing the Crown's financial needs with the burden on taxpayers.
Poverty and social issues
Parliament addressed the growing problem of the poor, particularly vagrants, who were viewed as an increasing threat to Elizabethan society.
Parliamentary rights
MPs frequently debated their right to criticise government policies without facing punishment, challenging traditional restrictions on freedom of speech in Parliament.
The limits on Parliament's power
Despite Parliament's importance, Elizabeth maintained significant control over when and how it operated. She summoned only 10 Parliaments between 1558 and 1603, which met for a total of just 140 weeks - demonstrating that Parliament was not a continuous part of government.
These statistics reveal the limited role of Parliament in day-to-day governance. In a 45-year reign, Parliament met for less than 3 years total - roughly 6% of Elizabeth's reign was spent with Parliament in session.
Most MPs were businessmen who were eager to return to their estates and private affairs, making them less inclined to engage in lengthy confrontations with the government. Many MPs also recognised that challenging the government could be time-consuming and risky, potentially resulting in punishment.
Elizabeth was willing to take strong action against MPs who overstepped boundaries. For example, Peter Wentworth was imprisoned in the Tower of London twice for challenging the principle of freedom of speech, demonstrating the queen's determination to maintain royal authority over Parliamentary proceedings.
Elizabeth's treatment of Peter Wentworth sent a clear message to other MPs: while Parliament had important rights, the Crown would not hesitate to punish those who pushed too far against royal authority.
Timeline of key events
- 1558: Elizabeth becomes queen; needs Parliament for laws and taxes
- 1559: Religious Settlement passed through Parliament, establishing Protestant England
- 1560s-early 1570s: Parliament pressures Elizabeth over succession issue
- 1569: House of Lords becomes easier to manage with bishops and courtiers
- 1571: Parliament debates religious matters
- 1597: Further Parliamentary discussions on religion
- 1603: Elizabeth's death; had called only 10 Parliaments during 45-year reign
Key Points to Remember:
- Elizabeth needed Parliament's approval to pass laws and raise taxes, but she could only call it when necessary
- Parliament consisted of two houses: Commons (elected MPs) and Lords (peers and bishops), each requiring different management strategies
- Key issues debated included succession, religion, taxation, poverty, and Parliamentary rights
- Elizabeth maintained control by calling Parliament infrequently (only 140 weeks total in 45 years) and punishing MPs who challenged royal authority too strongly
- The relationship was a careful balance: Parliament provided legitimacy for royal policies, while Elizabeth ensured it didn't gain too much independent power