What were the two primary functions of the Privy Council?
Advisory and executive.
How many members did Elizabeth I limit the Privy Council to?
19 members.
What was the size of Mary I’s Privy Council?
50 members.
What crucial role did the inner circle of 10 within the Privy Council play?
Advising Elizabeth on significant matters such as religion and foreign affairs.
What types of policies was the Privy Council responsible for?
- Mundane tasks like culling badgers
- Critical preparations for military threats, such as the Spanish Armada.
How did the Privy Council influence Elizabeth’s decisions?
When acting collectively, they could significantly influence her, exemplified by sending Mary Queen of Scots’ death warrant without her consent.
What methods did Elizabeth use to maintain control over the Privy Council?
- Appointing and dismissing members
- Ensuring no action could be taken without her approval.
True or False: The Privy Council had unlimited power during Elizabeth’s reign.
False.
What was a consequence of Elizabeth’s exclusion methods for councillors?
- Exclusion from court
- House arrest
- Execution.
How did Elizabeth manage the council’s agenda?
She used it to manage parliamentary discussions, such as raising her marriage issue after her near-fatal illness in 1566.
What was one effect of Elizabeth’s encouragement of factional rivalry?
It delayed decisions and prevented her from being cornered into a choice.
What contributed to the Privy Council’s inefficiency?
Involvement in too many issues diluted its effectiveness.
What was a significant change in the Privy Council by the end of Elizabeth’s reign?
Key councillors were replaced by less capable family members.
How did Elizabeth’s strategy of fostering factional rivalry affect governance?
While it kept councillors loyal, it also hindered efficient governance.
What example illustrates the rivalry among councillors over foreign policy?
The rivalry between Leicester, Walsingham, and Burghley over aiding Protestant rebels in the Netherlands.
What was a key outcome of Elizabeth’s failure to manage the rivalry between Cecil and Essex?
Essex’s rebellion.
How did the court serve as a central institution of government?
It displayed power and engaged in ceremonial activities, fostering loyalty among courtiers.
What role did entertainment play at the court?
It was essential for maintaining the Queen’s image and influence.
True or False: The court had a formal role in policy-making.
False.
How did royal progresses reinforce Elizabeth’s loyalty among the public?
By allowing the public to see her.
What was Elizabeth’s image as ‘Gloriana’ reinforced through?
Elaborate court rituals and masques.
What rumors began to undermine Elizabeth’s image later in her reign?
Raleigh’s disgrace and allegations about her personal life.
What were the implications of Elizabeth’s preference for select ladies over public appearances?
It led to criticism and speculation about her health and capability as a ruler.
How was loyalty secured among courtiers at court?
Through the distribution of favors and positions.
