Government and religion in the Early Elizabethan era
The key themes include:
- government
- religion
- economy and society
- law and order
- foreign affairs
Government
Queen Elizabeth I was A person who has supreme authority or power. of England, meaning she had upmost authority and rule, compared to the monarchy today. She surrounded herself with a loyal group of advisers (called the A group of senior politicians who advise the monarch.) to guide her.
Elizabeth tightly controlled The law-making body of a country. and set the agenda of what it was allowed to discuss and pass laws about. However, during her reign Parliament did become more influential and was in conflict with Elizabeth over issues such as religion, marriage and her A royal licence which gave individuals the sole right to manufacture or sell a product. licences.
Religion
In the 16th century England was divided by religion. The country had been a Roman Catholic country for nearly a thousand years until Henry VIIIâs reign where, over a 20 year period, the countryâs religion had changed three times, causing tension and divisions.
When Elizabeth ascended to the throne she changed the official religion to Protestantism, but also outlined a religious settlement that allowed some Catholic traditions to be practiced. Parliament helped by passing the A law passed in 1559 that recognised Elizabeth I as the supreme governor of the Church of England. and the A law passed in 1559 that reinstated the English book of common prayer and said all services were required to follow the order of prayer..
Elizabethâs tolerant âmiddle-wayâ had broad support, but she did face threats and plots from Catholics and Strict Protestants who wanted to get rid of ritual in church services and lead a plain and simple life., with Mary, Queen of Scots becoming a figure head for Catholic plots, such as the Babington Plot in 1586.