1. What were the key features of society and government in 1558?

2. Learning objective – to be able to outline the different features of English society and government in 1558.
I can describe the key features of English society in 1558.
Grade 3
I can explain the key features of English society in 1558.
Grade 6
I can explain and assess the impact of the key features of English society in 1558.
Grade 9

3. Starter
List the words in the word cloud. Look for them in the presentation.
Highlight in the word cloud, the three most important words and explain your decisions.

4. What were the key features of early Elizabethan society?
In 1558, England had a population of around 3 million. 90% of the population worked in agriculture. The country was becoming more urbanised during the Elizabethan era. Social position relied upon land – whether you owned it or not. Deference was expected and wherever you were in the social hierarchy you had to show obedience and respect to those above you and have a duty of care for those below you.

5. What was the hierarchy early Elizabethan society?

6. What was the structure in the Elizabethan government?

7. What was the role of the monarch in Elizabethan government?
In 1558, the monarch was central to government but could only govern with the co-operation of the nobility and the gentry. The monarch had a ‘divine right’ to rule. The monarch decided policy and could declare war, call and dismiss Parliament and grant lands and titles. To gain support a monarch would give patronage to people they wanted support from. This meant giving someone a title, a role or land in return for loyalty.

8. What was the role of the Privy Council in Elizabethan government?
The Privy Council would become the most important aspect of government. It contained the closest government advisors and ministers. The Privy Council met frequently and was responsible for the administration of domestic and foreign policy as well as the finances of the country. Elizabeth cut the size of the Privy Council from 50 to 20 ministers and appointed those who she trusted and stood by her during her imprisonment under Mary. The key minister in the Privy Council was the Secretary of State. The most important Secretary of State was Sir William Cecil, Lord Burghley.

9. What was the role of the Parliament in Elizabethan government?
The monarch could summon and dismiss Parliament when they liked. Elizabeth called Parliament ten times during her reign. Parliament was made up of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The main functions of Parliament were to raise taxation, pass laws and to advise the monarch. The monarch could veto a number of parliamentary laws and debates in certain areas, such as succession and foreign policy – this power was known as the royal prerogative.

10. Task Write one sentence definitions for the following terms.
Privy Council
Court
Nobility
Secretary of State
Patronage

11. Task
For each diagram on Elizabethan society and government, write a 100 word summary of its key features.

12. Extension Task
Research the career of Sir William Cecil, Lord Burghley. Summarise his significance in the reign of Elizabeth I in a mini saga.