Power in Elizabethan England

The group of people who make laws for the country. It consists of the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

A law enforcement official appointed by the Queen to maintain order and enforce laws at the local level.

A situation where both sides agree to give up something in order to reach a compromise. Elizabeth I used compromise to manage the challenges she faced.

Things that threaten the safety and stability of the country from within, like rebellion, unrest, or economic problems.

Challenges faced by a country from outside its borders, such as war with another country.

Elizabeth I's power to dismiss Parliament, showing that Parliament was not completely independent.

Elizabeth I's acknowledgement of the need to work with others and make concessions to achieve common goals.

Elizabeth I's decision to send Peter Wentworth to the Tower of London for expressing disagreement with her policies.

A group of trusted advisors who helped run the country on a day-to-day basis in Elizabethan England.

The process of granting favors, titles, and positions in return for loyalty and support. A key way for Elizabeth to secure the loyalty of powerful nobles.

Elizabeth's method of securing support from nobles by hosting them at court and offering lavish gifts, titles, and land.

Spectacular displays of wealth and power designed to impress foreign visitors and show Elizabeth's power and strength.

Elizabeth ensured no single noble became too powerful by dividing them with the Privy Council, encouraging rivalry and competition for the Queen's favor.

Elizabeth's strategy involved controlling Parliament by influencing the composition of the council and manipulating the timing of elections.

The Privy Council was an effective system of advisors, but its corruption caused rivalry among nobles who sought the Queen's favor and fueled their desire to gain power.

The system of patronage was highly corrupt, but also very effective in securing loyalty and obedience from powerful nobles.

The Queen's top advisors who helped her govern England.

The most important minister who served Elizabeth for 40 years. He was known for his cautious approach and expertise in foreign affairs.

The head of Elizabeth's secret service. He was known as the 'spymaster' and had a network of spies gathering information.

These individuals were appointed by the Queen to help govern specific areas of the country. They maintained law and order, collected taxes, and raised a militia if needed.

The group of advisors who helped the Queen make decisions about the government.

A group of people who were close to the Queen and lived in the Royal Court. This included nobles, courtiers, and others who had access to the Queen.

The Queen's governing powers, including the right to call a meeting of Parliament, pass laws, and decide on legal matters.

A body composed of elected representatives from different parts of the country. They had the power to grant taxes and pass laws, but the Queen could decide when to call it and didn't have to accept their advice.