The management and use of parliament (Edexcel GCSE History): Revision Notes

The management and use of parliament

Introduction

Between 1529 and 1540, Thomas Cromwell fundamentally transformed how the English government operated by developing parliament's role and significance. Rather than relying solely on royal proclamations, Cromwell established parliament as the primary means of creating laws, which actually strengthened rather than weakened the king's authority.

Henry's early personal style of government (1509-1529)

During the first two decades of his reign, Henry VIII governed England through a highly personal approach. The king made all major decisions himself, working closely with his Royal Council to determine policy. Laws and royal commands were typically issued through royal proclamations, which Henry expected his subjects to obey without question.

This system reflected Henry's belief in the divine right of kings and his desire to maintain complete control over government decisions. However, this approach had limitations, particularly when it came to gaining broader support for controversial policies or major changes to English society and religion.

Parliament's original limited role

When Henry became king in 1509, parliament had already existed for centuries, dating back to the 13th century. The institution consisted of two distinct chambers: the House of Lords, composed of wealthy landowners and senior bishops, and the House of Commons, made up of merchants and lesser gentry.

Despite its long history, parliament played a relatively minor role in day-to-day governance. Its primary function was to approve new taxes when the king required additional revenue, particularly for military campaigns. Parliament met infrequently and was not routinely consulted on major policy decisions or law-making.

Cromwell's transformation of parliament (1529-1540)

Thomas Cromwell recognised that parliament could serve as a powerful tool to legitimise and strengthen royal authority. He began using parliamentary sessions much more regularly and systematically than previous governments had done.

The most significant change was Cromwell's decision to enact major government policies through Acts of Parliament, also known as statute law. This approach was particularly important during the English Reformation, as key religious changes were implemented through parliamentary legislation rather than simple royal commands.

By involving both the House of Lords and House of Commons in law-making, Cromwell effectively gained the approval and support of England's most powerful and influential groups. The nobility and church hierarchy in the Lords, along with the merchants and gentry in the Commons, became partners in implementing royal policy by turning the king's ideas into formal laws.

Cromwell's parliamentary management techniques

For this new system to function effectively, Cromwell needed to ensure parliamentary support for the laws Henry wanted to pass. He developed several sophisticated methods to achieve this goal.

Cromwell took direct control of parliamentary proceedings, carefully managing which issues were debated and ensuring that proposed laws were thoroughly crafted before reaching the parliamentary chambers. His attention to detail meant that legislation was properly prepared and presented.

As a Member of Parliament himself, Cromwell could personally guide debates and discussions from within the House of Commons. This insider position allowed him to influence other MPs and build support for government proposals during the actual legislative process.

When persuasion proved insufficient, Cromwell was not above using more forceful methods. He employed threats and intimidation tactics to discourage opposition and ensure that potential critics remained silent or supportive.

The significance of parliamentary transformation

The changes Cromwell implemented had profound long-term consequences for English government. Under Henry's early personal rule, parliament had minimal influence over decision-making, and laws were created solely by the king and Royal Council without broader consultation.

After Cromwell's reforms, parliament became the central institution of government, possessing genuine legislative power over all aspects of daily life in England. Laws now required approval from both parliamentary houses and the king, which paradoxically strengthened rather than weakened royal authority by demonstrating broad-based support.

This transformation meant that parliament could no longer be ignored or bypassed when the king wished to implement major policies. The institution had to be consulted and won over, making effective parliamentary management a crucial skill for successful governance.

Timeline of key developments

• 1509: Henry VIII becomes king, governs through personal rule and Royal Council
• 1529: Cromwell enters Henry's service, beginning of parliamentary transformation
• 1529-1540: Regular parliamentary sessions become central to government
• 1530s: Major Reformation legislation passed through Acts of Parliament
• 1540: End of Cromwell's influence following his execution