Elizabeth's Use of Power

• Elizabeth I ruled England from 1558 to 1603. Characterized by her pragmatic approach, she rebuilt England after the tumultuous reign of Mary I.
• Elizabeth had absolute power, meaning she could make laws, appoint ministers and rule as she saw fit.
• However, she was also dependent on her Privy Council, a small group of advisors, for advice and to carry out her decisions.

The Privy Council

• The Privy Council advised Elizabeth on domestic and foreign affairs. Its members were typically made up of nobility and clergy.
• William Cecil was one of the most prominent members, serving as Elizabeth's main advisor. His role was crucial in decision-making as he often mediated discussions.
• Despite the presence of the Privy Council, Elizabeth often made decisions independently, showcasing her assertiveness and sovereignty.

Parliament

• Elizabeth used Parliament primarily for granting taxation. She convened it sparingly, only 13 times during her reign.
• Elizabeth's relationship with Parliament was often strained. The monarch's power was unquestioned, but certain members of Parliament were increasingly assertive in expressing their views.

Local Governance

• Local governance in Elizabethan England was largely run by Justices of the Peace (JP's). These were unpaid positions filled by the gentry.
• Sheriffs were responsible for maintaining law and order, they carried out decisions made by the JP's.
• Local governance was important because it helped to maintain stability and law and order, two things Elizabeth valued greatly.

The Church

• The Church of England formed under her father, Henry VIII, was the main body of religious activity in Elizabethan England.
• The queen tolerated both Protestants and Catholics, as long as they obeyed the laws and acknowledged her as the head of the Church.
• Elizabeth's religious policies, sometimes called the Elizabethan Settlement, sought a moderate path between extreme Protestantism and Catholicism.

The Monopolies Crisis

• During her reign, Elizabeth granted a number of monopolies. These were exclusive rights to trade certain goods, granted to courtiers who had gained her favor.
• This led to a crisis as it caused prices to rise and limited competition, causing dissatisfaction among the populace and Parliament.
• The crisis culminated in the 1601 Parliament, where the queen agreed in a speech to revoke unpopular monopolies if they did not serve the common good.

Elizabeth's Death and Succession

• Elizabeth died in 1603, ending her long reign. She did not name a successor, leading to a peaceful transition to James I, and marking the beginning of the Stuart dynasty.
• Elizabeth has been remembered for her keen political skills and the stability she brought, often referred to as the 'Golden Age'.