GCSE History (Eduqas)

Elizabethan England Topic Summaries

Elizabeth’s accession

Government structure

  • Elizabeth I ruled as a monarch with significant authority but governed with advice from key institutions.
  • The Privy Council advised the Queen on all matters including domestic and foreign policy.
  • Parliament consisted of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Their main role was to approve taxation and pass laws, but it could not meet without the Queen’s consent.
  • Local government was run by Justices of the Peace who were responsible for maintaining order, collecting taxes, and enforcing laws, alongside sheriffs and Lords Lieutenant.

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