Question 1: Describe the main reasons why James I of England faced difficulties when he became king in 1603. Include at least two reasons.

Answer: Possible reasons include his belief in the divine right of kings which caused conflicts with Parliament, his foreign policies that were unpopular, and religious tensions between Catholics and Protestants.

Question 2: Explain the significance of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. What did it reveal about religious tensions at the time?

Answer: The Gunpowder Plot was an attempt by Catholic conspirators to blow up Parliament and kill King James I. It revealed the deep religious divisions and fears of Catholic plots against the Protestant monarchy.

Question 3: Identify and explain two changes that occurred during the reign of Charles I related to his relationship with Parliament.

Answer: Charles I often dissolved Parliament when it opposed him, leading to conflicts. He also attempted to raise taxes without Parliament's consent, which increased tensions and contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War.

Question 4: Describe the events that led to the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642.

Answer: Key events include disputes over royal authority versus parliamentary power, Charles I’s attempts to arrest MPs, and disagreements over religious reforms, all escalating tensions until armed conflict began.

Question 5: Sketch a simple diagram that shows the key factions during the English Civil War, including the Royalists and Parliamentarians. Label each side clearly.

Answer: A correct sketch would show two groups, one labeled 'Royalists' (supporting King Charles I) and the other labeled 'Parliamentarians' (supporting Parliament). It may include symbols like crowns or flags for each side.

Question 6: Summarize the main outcomes of the English Civil War and its immediate aftermath.

Answer: The Parliamentarians won, leading to the trial and execution of Charles I, the abolition of the monarchy, and the establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell.

Question 7: Explain the significance of the Restoration of 1660 for the monarchy in England.

Answer: The Restoration marked the return of Charles II and the monarchy after a period of republican rule, reaffirming royal authority and ending the period of the Commonwealth.

Question 8: Identify two key differences between the rule of James II and that of William of Orange after the Glorious Revolution.

Answer: James II was openly Catholic and attempted to promote Catholic rights, which alarmed Protestants. William of Orange was Protestant and accepted constitutional limits on royal power, supporting parliamentary sovereignty.

Question 9: Describe how the Glorious Revolution of 1688 impacted the power of the monarchy and Parliament.

Answer: It led to the overthrow of James II without significant violence, establishing parliamentary sovereignty through the Bill of Rights, and limiting the powers of the monarchy.

Question 10: Reflect on why the Stuarts' reign is considered a pivotal period in the development of constitutional monarchy in England.

Answer: The Stuarts’ reign saw the struggle between royal authority and parliamentary power, culminating in constitutional changes that limited the monarchy’s power and increased parliamentary influence, shaping modern governance.