Elizabeth encountered difficulties because of the prejudices against women rulers.  Even though she presented her self in the traditional ways of the monarchy, such as carrying the sword of state, the difficulties did not cease.  She made extensive use of the Privy Council and summoned then parliaments during her reign.  The House of Lords and the House of Commons both grew in size during Elizabeth’s reign, but they remained councils of the queen rather than independent legislatures.

            Elizabeth increased the role of sheriffs in the country and she relied on justices of the peace to perform basic administrative work of local government.