Question 1: Describe the main reasons why James I of England believed he had divine right to rule. Include at least two reasons in your answer.

Answer: James I believed he had divine right because he thought his authority came directly from God, not from Parliament or the people. He also believed that kings should have absolute power and that questioning the king was equivalent to questioning God's authority.

Question 2: Explain the significance of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 and its impact on the relationship between the monarchy and Parliament.

Answer: The Gunpowder Plot was a failed attempt by Catholic conspirators to blow up Parliament and kill King James I. Its significance lies in increasing suspicion and hostility towards Catholics, leading to stricter laws and greater control over religious groups. It also strengthened the monarchy’s authority as defenders of Protestant England.

Question 3: Compare the views of Charles I and Parliament during the period leading up to the English Civil War.

Answer: Charles I believed in the divine right of kings and thought he should have absolute authority, often ignoring Parliament’s demands. Parliament, on the other hand, wanted more power and control over taxation and laws, leading to increasing tensions that eventually caused the Civil War.

Question 4: What were the main outcomes of the English Civil War? List at least two.

Answer: The main outcomes included the trial and execution of Charles I, the abolition of the monarchy, and the establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell’s leadership.

Question 5: Describe what the monarchy was like under Oliver Cromwell’s rule as Lord Protector. Use at least two descriptive points.

Answer: Oliver Cromwell ruled as a military dictator, enforcing Puritan morals and banning activities like drinking and gambling. He also dissolved Parliament and ruled through a council, maintaining strict control over the country.

Question 6: Sketch a simple diagram of the political structure of England during Oliver Cromwell’s rule as Lord Protector. Label the main parts such as the Parliament, the Council, and Cromwell himself.

Answer: A correct sketch would show Cromwell at the top as Lord Protector, with arrows pointing to a council representing his advisors, and a separate box for Parliament, indicating its reduced power or dissolution.

Question 7: Explain two reasons why the monarchy was restored in 1660 after the period of Cromwell’s rule.

Answer: The monarchy was restored because many people wanted stability and tradition after Cromwell’s strict rule, and Charles II was seen as a popular and charismatic leader who could unify the country.

Question 8: Identify and explain one way in which the English Bill of Rights (1689) limited the power of the monarchy.

Answer: The Bill of Rights limited the monarchy by requiring that kings and queens could not suspend laws or levy taxes without Parliament’s consent, thus ensuring Parliament had more control over government decisions.

Question 9: Describe how the events of the Glorious Revolution affected the structure of government in Britain.

Answer: The Glorious Revolution led to the overthrow of James II and the establishment of constitutional monarchy. It resulted in increased power for Parliament, with laws such as the Bill of Rights, which limited royal authority and laid the foundations for modern democracy.