How would you structure an answer to the question: To what extent was James I to blame for the financial issues faced during his reign? (20 marks)

INTRODUCTION: It is crucial to set out a clear argument and set the tone of your essay. This does not need to be long and you do not want to dedicate too much time to this in the exam, but you should make clear to the examiner what your answer will be arguing. You can also briefly introduce key areas of debate here but save your analysis for the rest of the essay. E.g. The Tudor legacy which James I inherited in 1603 included a great deal of debt and an outdated tax system. However, this was exacerbated by the King’s extravagance and poor financial decisions. /1) It can be argued that James was not to blame due to the legacy that was left by Elizabeth I. EVIDENCE: - Debts (only include RELEVANT evidence here e.g. £100,000 debt inherited, do not list everything you have memorised) - Elizabeth had sold crown lands which meant a loss of revenue- Outdated tax systemLINK BACK TO QUESTION AT THE END OF EACH PARAGRAPH: e.g. Therefore, it cannot be said that James was entirely to blame for the financial position in which he found himself./2)James unlike Elizabeth had a family to support – his wife Anne and son both had their own households which had to be funded through crown revenue. /3)Extravagance – Gifts to favourites (BUT Patronage was important for political power)LINK to other factors (e.g. to political issues as this made parliament reluctant to grant him further taxation leading to further financial struggles)/4) Corruption, e.g. the Howards, impeachment of Lord Chancellor Bacon for taking bribesFailure to introduce a professional, salaried civil service. /5)Failure of the Great Contract EVALUATE: e.g. BUT not a good deal anyway as with inflation the fixed sum would have become insignificant & James would have lost feudal rights (Wardship, Purveyance, New Impositions)/CONCLUSION: Make clear what your overall judgement is – you should have constructed a balanced argument throughout so do not introduce any new arguments here. Leave the examiner in no doubt about your opinion on the question.