The Government of Scotland 1560-1625 [Hardcover]

InThe Government of Scotland 1560-1625Goodare shows how Scotland was governed during the transition from Europe's decentralized medieval realms to modern sovereign states. The expanding institutions of government - crown, parliament, privy council, local courts - are detailed, but the book is structured around an analysis of governmentalprocesses. A new framework is offered for understanding the concept of 'centre and localities': centralization happenedinthe localities.

Various interest groups participated in government and influenced its decisions. The nobility, in particular, exercised influence at every level. There was also English influence, both before and after the union of crowns in 1603. It is argued that the crown's continuing involvement after 1603 shows the common idea of 'absentee monarchy' to be misconceived. Goodare also pays particular attention to the harsh impact of government in the Highlands - where the chiefs were not full members of 'Scottish' political society - and on the common people - who were also excluded from normal political participation.

Introduction
1. Legitimacy
2. The Body Politic
3. Law and Legislation
4. Personal Monarchy
5. Executive Government
6. The Privy Council
7. Officers and Departments
8. Traditional Local Government
9. New Powers in the Localities
10. Government and Highland Elites
11. Government and People
12. A Stewart Revolution in Government?
13. Conclusions
Bibliography

A modern description of Scottish government in this much detail is most welcome. --John Cramsie,American Historical Review

A uniquely readable survey of government, which will interest the more general reader while at the same time satisfying the hunger of scholars who appreciate studies with more meat on their bones. --Renaissance Quarterly