Smith, Thomas 1513-1577

[The maner of governement or policie of the Realme of Englande, compiled by the honorable man Thomas Smyth, Doctor of the civil lawes, Knight, and Principall Secretarie vnto the the previous King Edward VI and Queen Elizabeth. (sic) The legitimate root causes of why the Houses of Lords and Commons of the Kingdom of England have placed James II as the sovereign King of England. Translated from English (London) by Thomas Tilliar; printed 1689.] Reprint of excerpts from De Republica Anglorum by Thomas Smith (1589). "Doctor of both laws" refers to those who have studied both Canon Law and Civil (Common) Law. Sir Thomas Smith (1556-1609) was the principal Secretary of State under King Edward VI and Queen Elizabeth I." This work was reprinted often and was reprinted on the 100th anniversary of its first appearance. Includes chapter 1: of the parliament and the authoritie thereof.; chapter 2: the forme of holding the parliament.; chapter 3: of the monarch king or queene of England. (sic)

Includes a copperplate illustration of the English Parliament in session. Figure A: the King standing from his throne in his royal garb and the crown on his head. Figure B. The Prince of Wales, or in absence thereof, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Figure C. The Duke of York or the Archbishop of York. Figure D. The Imperial Justice/ Professor of Law and the State Secretary. Figure E. The Speaker of the House of Commons (Lower House). Figure F. The members of the House of Lords (Upper House) in their proper order. The pamphlet describes how the Parliament is currently run, and then proposes how it should be run, via a free and open Parliament that is more representative of the People.