Elizabeth鈥檚 relationship with Parliament
The Elizabethan parliamentThe law-making body of a country. was very different to the Parliament of today, it much less powerful or representative. There was no Prime Minister, no political parties, Members of Parliament (MPs) were all men, and they were all voted in by wealthy landowners.
Elizabeth tightly controlled Parliament
- Parliament could only meet if Elizabeth called it, and she set the agenda.
- Parliament could only talk about what Elizabeth allowed it to discuss.
- Elizabeth mainly used Parliament to grant her taxes - this was her main income.
- Elizabeth could close (prorogue) Parliament at any time.
- Parliament only met 13 times in her 45 year reign for an average of three weeks per year.
- Elizabeth made sure her Privy CouncilA group of senior politicians who advise the monarch. sat in Parliament to help control proceedings.
MPs tried to take control back
During Elizabeth鈥檚 reign however, MPsMembers of Parliament. became more assertive and influential. They were in conflict with Elizabeth over the following issues.
Marriage issue
Some MPs felt Elizabeth should name a suitor to marry and produce an heir in order to secure the line of successionInheriting or taking up a position or title.. Elizabeth鈥檚 response was that this was her private business and she would marry when and if it was convenient.
At present it is not convenient; nor never shall be without some peril unto you and certain danger unto me
Religion issue
Elizabeth was a ProtestantChristians who broke away from the Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation. They believe in the teachings of the Bible but reject the authority of the Pope. and re-instated the Church of EnglandThe Church of England (C of E) is the official Protestant state religion of England. Its supreme governor is the monarch of the UK, with the Archbishop of Canterbury as the most senior priest. when she came to power, but wanting to avoid religious conflict she offered a 鈥榤iddle-way鈥 which did allow some CatholicThe Church in Western Europe before the Reformation. The Pope was head of the Church. A member of the Roman Catholic Church. worship and traditions. Some PuritanStrict Protestants who wanted to get rid of ritual in church services and lead a plain and simple life. MPs disagreed with this compromise and challenged Elizabeth by threatening to not grant her taxes. Elizabeth said religion was a 鈥榤atter of state鈥, not for Parliament, and forbade them to discuss religion.
Freedom of speech issue
In 1576 MP, Peter Wentworth, complained that MPs were not free to discuss whatever they liked. Elizabeth sent him to the Tower of London for a month for speaking out.
Monopolies issue
Monopolies gave individual nobleSomeone of high rank with a title.and merchants the right to manufacture or sell particular goods. Elizabeth intended for monopolies to promote business and boost the economy, but because one person now controlled the supply of a particular product it meant that prices rose. Elizabeth also made money from granting the monopoly licenceA royal licence which gave individuals the sole right to manufacture or sell a product. licences.
Towards the end of Elizabeth鈥檚 reign some MPs felt monopolies were unfair and were being abused. They protested against them in 1597-8 and 1601 and would not grant taxes until they had been withdrawn. At this stage Elizabeth did compromised and withdrew some monopolies. She also made a long speech flattering Parliament, which became known as her 鈥楪olden Speech鈥 which again showed her to be a clever and shrewd ruler.