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Why Did James Seek A Union With Parliament Essay

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Why Did James Seek A Union With Parliament Essay
From start of this period, right through to the end, James constantly faced difficulties with parliament. These difficulties weren’t simply limited to his determination to seek a union with Scotland, there were far more issues and instances which caused difficulties with parliament such as clashes between royal prerogative and parliamentary privilege, finance and how James raised money.
James’ proposition for union with Scotland caused many difficulties with parliament as he was hugely enthusiastic about it, yet on the other hand parliament despised the thought of it. Tension arose between James and parliament after great hostility in Parliament and much criticism of the King, souring James’s attitude towards Parliament. Opposition to the union was so strong that it was effectively abandoned in 1607 with parliament making only relatively minor concessions to James, including an agreement that all those born in either kingdom after 1603 should hold dual nationality. For such an important proposition to James to cause such adverse reactions from parliament so early in James’ rule meant that the …show more content…
Somerset an early favourite of James was influential within government, particularly in moving James towards a pro-Spanish foreign policy. However, it was the rise of George Villiers to royal favour that was of particular significance, politically. It was this one figure that held a monopoly on the Court and Government and stranglehold over the King’s favour and patronage. Many MP’s were hugely angered that they were being bypassed in the decision-making process and that a huge amount of the advice given to James came from non-elected men – many of whom he brought with him from Scotland, a problem because parliament were still Xenophobic against the
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