Year 11 History: Early Elizabethan England (1558–88) – Queen Elizabeth I: Government and Religion

Introduction to Elizabethan England

Queen Elizabeth I ruled England from 1558 to 1603. This period is known as the Elizabethan Era. It was a time of great change in government and religion.

Government Under Elizabeth I

Elizabeth I inherited a country that was divided. There were tensions between Catholics and Protestants.

Key Features of Elizabeth’s Government:

1. The Monarch’s Power: Elizabeth was the supreme ruler. She made decisions about laws and government.
2. Privy Council: This was a group of trusted advisors who helped her govern. They were usually nobles and important figures.
3. Parliament: Elizabeth called Parliament to discuss laws and taxes. However, she had the final say on important decisions.
4. Local Government: Local officials, like justices of the peace, helped enforce laws in villages and towns.

Religion in Elizabethan England

Religion was a major issue during Elizabeth’s reign. Elizabeth wanted to create a peaceful religious environment.

Key Features of Elizabeth’s Religious Policy:

1. The Church of England: Elizabeth established the Church of England as the main religion. It was Protestant but allowed some Catholic practices.
2. The Act of Supremacy (1559): This law declared Elizabeth as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
3. The Act of Uniformity (1559): This law set out the standard form of services and the Book of Common Prayer.
4. Religious Tolerance: Elizabeth aimed for some tolerance, but she still persecuted those who opposed the Church of England, like Catholics and Puritans.

Tips for Understanding

• Use Visual Aids: Draw a diagram of Elizabeth’s government structure. It can help you remember who was in charge and how decisions were made.
• Create Flashcards: Write key terms like “Privy Council,” “Parliament,” and “Act of Supremacy” on flashcards. Include definitions and significance.
• Discuss in Groups: Talking about these topics with your classmates can help reinforce your understanding.

Questions

Easy Level Questions

1. Who was the queen of England from 1558 to 1603?
2. What was the main religion established by Elizabeth I?
3. What is the name of the group that advised Elizabeth I?
4. What did the Act of Supremacy declare?
5. What year was the Act of Uniformity passed?
6. Who helped enforce laws in local areas?
7. Which church did Elizabeth I belong to?
8. What was the main goal of Elizabeth’s religious policy?
9. Did Elizabeth I allow Catholic practices in her church?
10. Who were the main opponents of Elizabeth’s Church of England?
11. What was the role of Parliament during Elizabeth’s reign?
12. How did Elizabeth I respond to religious conflicts?
13. What title did Elizabeth I hold in the Church of England?
14. What is the Book of Common Prayer?
15. Did Elizabeth I support religious tolerance?
16. What did the Privy Council help Elizabeth with?
17. Who usually sat in the Privy Council?
18. What was one way Elizabeth I tried to unite England religiously?
19. How did local government officials help Elizabeth I?
20. What was a major challenge Elizabeth faced when she became queen?

Medium Level Questions

1. Explain how the Act of Supremacy changed the status of the Church in England.
2. Describe the role of the Privy Council in Elizabethan government.
3. How did Elizabeth I handle Catholic opposition?
4. Why was Parliament important to Elizabeth I?
5. What were the consequences of the Act of Uniformity?
6. Discuss the significance of the Elizabethan Religious Settlement.
7. How did Elizabeth I balance her government and religious policies?
8. What was Elizabeth’s approach to Puritanism?
9. How did Elizabeth I’s policies impact the relationship between Catholics and Protestants?
10. What were the challenges of being a female monarch during this time?
11. How did Elizabeth I maintain control over Parliament?
12. What was the relationship between Elizabeth I and her advisors?
13. Why was the Book of Common Prayer important?
14. How did Elizabeth I’s reign influence future monarchs?
15. Describe any major events in Elizabethan England related to religion.
16. What role did local officials play in maintaining Elizabeth’s law and order?
17. How did public perception of Elizabeth I affect her reign?
18. In what ways did Elizabeth I promote her image as a ruler?
19. What was the impact of Mary I’s reign on Elizabeth’s religious policies?
20. How did Elizabeth I’s government differ from her predecessors?

Hard Level Questions

1. Analyse the effectiveness of Elizabeth I’s religious policies in uniting England.
2. Evaluate the political challenges Elizabeth I faced from both Catholics and Puritans.
3. Compare and contrast the roles of the Privy Council and Parliament in Elizabethan government.
4. Discuss the long-term impacts of Elizabeth I’s decisions on religious conflict in England.
5. How did the Act of Supremacy reflect Elizabeth I’s views on religious authority?
6. Assess the impact of Elizabeth I’s gender on her leadership style.
7. In what ways did Elizabeth I’s foreign policy intersect with her religious policies?
8. Explain the significance of the Elizabethan Religious Settlement in a European context.
9. What strategies did Elizabeth I use to manage dissent in her kingdom?
10. Critically analyse the relationship between religion and politics during Elizabeth I’s reign.
11. How did Elizabeth I’s personal beliefs influence her policies?
12. Investigate the role of propaganda in Elizabeth I’s government.
13. Discuss the implications of the Spanish Armada on Elizabeth’s religious stance.
14. How did Elizabeth I’s reign shape the future of the Church of England?
15. What were the economic impacts of Elizabeth I’s religious policies?
16. Explore the role of women in Elizabethan society and how it affected governance.
17. How did Elizabeth I’s reign contribute to the formation of Protestant identity in England?
18. In what ways did Elizabeth I maintain her authority over her advisors?
19. How did the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, reflect Elizabeth’s religious and political priorities?
20. Assess the legacy of Elizabethan government and religion in shaping modern Britain.

Answers

Easy Level Answers

1. Queen Elizabeth I
2. The Church of England
3. The Privy Council
4. Elizabeth as the Supreme Governor
5. 1559
6. Justices of the Peace
7. Protestant
8. To create peace
9. Yes
10. Catholics and Puritans
11. To discuss laws and taxes
12. She was strict with dissenters
13. Supreme Governor
14. A book of prayers and services
15. Somewhat, but not fully
16. They advised her on decisions
17. Nobles and important figures
18. By creating a middle ground
19. They enforced laws
20. Religious division and conflict

Medium Level Answers

1. It made Elizabeth the head of the Church.
2. They helped her make decisions and govern.
3. She persecuted many Catholics.
4. It helped her pass laws and taxes.
5. It enforced a common form of worship.
6. It aimed for a compromise between Catholics and Protestants.
7. She created laws that allowed some Catholic practices.
8. She was generally tolerant but strict with dissenters.
9. It created tensions and conflicts.
10. She faced challenges like opposition and criticism.
11. She could refuse to call them or dismiss them.
12. They were essential for her policies and rule.
13. It provided a standard for worship.
14. It established a Protestant foundation.
15. There were executions and conflicts.
16. They helped keep order and enforce laws.
17. She was seen as both a strong and benevolent ruler.
18. She used portraits and public appearances.
19. It heightened tensions and led to conflict.
20. It established a Protestant state that influenced future rulers.

Hard Level Answers

1. It created a compromise but didn’t eliminate tension.
2. They faced plots and rebellions from both sides.
3. The Privy Council advised on decisions, while Parliament created laws.
4. It led to ongoing conflicts and divisions in England.
5. It emphasized her authority over the Church.
6. She faced challenges but was strong and determined.
7. Foreign conflicts often had a religious dimension.
8. It served as a model for other Protestant nations.
9. She used spies and the law to control dissent.
10. Religion influenced laws, policies, and social order.
11. Her upbringing influenced her moderate policies.
12. She used portraits, speeches, and festivals.
13. It raised her status and increased tensions with Spain.
14. It laid the groundwork for modern Anglicanism.
15. It often led to unrest and rebellion.
16. Women had limited roles, but some influenced decisions.
17. It helped define a national identity in opposition to Catholicism.
18. She maintained a careful balance of power.
19. It was politically motivated to eliminate a threat.
20. It established a framework for future governance and religious policy.

This structured approach to understanding Elizabeth I’s government and religion will help you grasp the complexities of the period and prepare for your assessments. Good luck!