Chapter 12

Question 1

What did the Lords do on 29 December

Answer 1

• Accepted a Commons vote of impeachment against the bishops; which would lead to their exclusion from the Lords

Question 2

Why did the Commons vote to impeach the Bishops

Answer 2

• They were galvanised into action by a petitioning campaign that had 30,000 signatures

Question 3

The Life and Times of Richard Baxter, published 1696. What did a group of apprentices cry out to a coach of Bishops

Answer 3

“And as they went they met with some of the bishops in their coaches going to the House, and … they too much forgot civility, and cried out, ‘No bishops!’ “

Question 4

The Nineteen Propositions

Answer 4

• On 1 June 1642 the Lords and Commons approved a list of proposals to be sent to the King in York
• In these demands, the Long Parliament sought a larger share of power in the governance of the kingdom
• Parliament’s last attempt to contain the King
• Radical, confrontational and impossible for the king to approve
• Before the end of the month the King rejected the Propositions

Question 5

Charles’ response to the Nineteen Propositions: what is his stance on the Constitution of the Government of the Kingdom?

Answer 5

“We are resolved not to let go of them, nor to undermine (even in a Parliamentary way) the ancient, equal, happy, well-balanced and entirely commendable Constitution of the Government of this Kingdom.”

Question 6

Charles’ response to the Nineteen Propositions: What does he believe about the power of both Houses of Parliament

Answer 6

“The power legally placed in both Houses is more than sufficient to prevent and restrain the power of Tyranny even without the power which is now asked from us.”

Question 7

Charles’ response to the Nineteen Propositions: What does he assert would happen if he wa to give up the power being demanded from him?

Answer 7

“We shall not be able to do our duty, for which we have been appointed King if we give up the power that is being demanded from us and to do so would be a total subversion of the fundamental laws and excellent Constitution of this Kingdom and would end in a dark chaos of confusion and rebellion.”

Question 8

Charles’ response to the Nineteen Propositions: What is his ultimate response to the demands?

Answer 8

For all these reasons, to all these demands our answer is ‘We are unwilling to change the laws of England’

Question 9

Main demands of the Nineteen Propositions

Answer 9

• Parliament should give assent to all key royal appointments
• Parliament should take responsibility for educating the royal children and their marriages
• New, stronger anti-Catholic legislation should be enacted
• The Anglican Church should be reformed according to Parliament’s direction
• The king should approve the Militia Ordinance and drop his use of Commissions.

Question 10

Arguments for the Nineteen Propositions being radical, confrontational, and impossible for the king to approve:

Answer 10

• Radical Demands: The propositions demanded significant limitations on the king’s authority, including control over the militia and ministerial appointments.
• Confrontational Tone: The language was assertive, directly challenging royal prerogatives and signaling Parliament’s defiance.
• Unacceptable Terms: Accepting the propositions would have meant relinquishing crucial aspects of the king’s authority, which he deemed unacceptable.
• Precipitating Civil War: The king’s refusal to accept deepened the rift, contributing to the outbreak of the Civil War by presenting terms he couldn’t approve.

Question 11

Arguments against the Nineteen Propositions being radical, confrontational, and impossible for the king to approve:

Answer 11

• Parliamentary Safeguards: The propositions were framed as necessary safeguards against royal abuses of power.
• Constitutional Reform: They aimed to establish a balanced power distribution, addressing grievances accumulated over years.
• Negotiation Opportunity: While firm, they allowed for negotiation and compromise to reach a mutually acceptable resolution.
• Popular Support: Enjoying significant support, they reflected widespread discontent and were seen as essential for good governance and protecting liberties.