The document summarizes key events and individuals related to the rule of the Stuart kings in England from 1603 to 1649. It introduces King James I, who believed in the divine right of kings and was not a strong supporter of England's democratic traditions. It then discusses his son, King Charles I, who similarly believed in absolute royal power and often ruled without Parliament's consent, raising taxes and fees without permission. The document also provides context on the role of Parliament in England and the limits it placed on the monarchy through agreements like the Magna Carta.

1. THE STUARTS IN
ENGLAND

2. Vocabulary
• democracy: a government controlled by the people
• absolute monarch: king, queen, emperor or empress with unlimited
power
• tyrant: a cruel and unjust ruler or person
• title: a name showing a person’s rank and position. Charles I forced
wealthy property owners to pay large fees to become knights
• Court of Star Chamber: a royal court where people had no rights
• royal prerogative: lets the King or Queen break the law
PAGES 28-31

3. • guidelines for the monarchy to
prevent abuse of power
• can’t introduce new taxes
without Parliament’s permission
• guarantees accused individuals
the right to a trial by their
peers
• Monarchy must obey laws but
“royal prerogative” allows the
monarchy to act against the
law, especially in times of
emergency
Signed in 1215 Why it matters?
THE MAGNA CARTA

4. • He is a Stuart – a descendant
of Mary Queen of Scots
• Ruler of Scotland as James IV
• Catholic connections
Why could this be an issue?
• Not a fan of democratic
traditions – comes from
Scotland where there was no
strong parliamentary history
King James I – of England
1603-1625
What’s his deal?
THE STUARTS

5. • Another strong believer in the
Divine Right of Kings.
• Not a fan of compromising with
parliament
• Had expensive tastes and was
often in need of more money to
finance his extravagance.
• Bypassed parliament to get
money and punish people: raised
fees, collected customs, forced
loans, sold noble titles, and
used the secret Court of Star
Chamber
King Charles I – of England
1625-1649
Like Father Like Son
THE STUARTS

6. • The belief that a Monarch’s
right to rule came directly
from God and that they
were God’s representative
on earth.
• Ordinary people could not
question the decisions of
the King because his powers
came from God.
“Kings are justly called Gods, for they
exercise … a power similar to God’s
power upon earth.
For if you will consider the attributes
of God, you will see how they agree in
the person of a king.
God has power to create or destroy,
to make and unmake, at His pleasure;
to give life or send death, to judge
all, and not be judged…
Kings have the same power… and make
of their subjects like men of chess…
therefore kings have absolute power.”
- King James I to Parliament
DIVINE RIGHT OF
KINGS

7. • Parliament has a long history
in England
• It’s a place where the King
could consult with the
powerful people of the land
• The Magna Carta gave
parliament more power. It
must approve tax increases.
Remember money = power.
• Has two sections: House of
Lords and House of Commons
House of Lords:
• Inherited their places
• Bishops and other high
officials of the Anglican
Church
House of Commons:
• Elected to represent people
of property
• Wealthy land owners and
townspeople
THE ROLE OF
PARLIAMENT

8. Do you agree with James I and Charles I that
Divine Right of Kings is the way to rule
England? Or would you side with Parliament?
Why?
Think about the answer on your own for a minute.
Write it down and….
WHAT DO YOU THINK?