History GCSE

Power and authority

What Power and authority means in History GCSE, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.

Definitions of Power and authority

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Reference: Pearson Edexcel

The Reformation removed the Pope's authority, placing the King at the head of the English Church, while Cromwell as Vicegerent in Spirituals wielded immense influence.

Pearson Edexcel · Option B3: Key topic 3: The Reformation and its impact, 1529–40 - 2 Opposition to, and impact of, Reformation, 1534–40 (study guide)

William I claimed ownership of all land in England by right of conquest, and land was held directly from the king in exchange for military service.

Pearson Edexcel · Option B1: Key topic 2: William I in power: securing the kingdom, 1066–87 - 3 The legacy of resistance to 1087 (study guide)

The Godwins held immense political, economic and military power and could pressure the king, rather than the king having absolute power.

Pearson Edexcel · Option B1: Key topic 1: Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest, 1060–66 - 2 The last years of Edward the Confessor and the succession crisis (study guide)

The highest authority in England was the monarch acting with the agreement of Parliament, a principle known as 'King-in-Parliament'.

Pearson Edexcel · Option B3: Key topic 2: Henry VIII and Cromwell, 1529–40 - 3 Cromwell and government, 1534–40 (study guide)

Significant power struggles occurred as the Cultural Revolution waned, and the death of Mao Zedong created a power vacuum.

Pearson Edexcel · Option 32: Key topic 3: The Cultural Revolution and its aftermath, 1966–76 - 4 The end of the Cultural Revolution, 1968–76 (study guide)

More's execution in 1535 demonstrated that Henry would not tolerate defiance from anyone, regardless of their status.

Pearson Edexcel · Option B3: Key topic 3: The Reformation and its impact, 1529–40 - 2 Opposition to, and impact of, Reformation, 1534–40 (study guide)

Topics that use Power and authority

Option 32: Key topic 3: The Cultural Revolution and its aftermath, 1966–76 - 4 The end of the Cultural Revolution, 1968–76 (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Option B1: Key topic 1: Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest, 1060–66 - 2 The last years of Edward the Confessor and the succession crisis (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Option B1: Key topic 2: William I in power: securing the kingdom, 1066–87 - 3 The legacy of resistance to 1087 (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Option B3: Key topic 2: Henry VIII and Cromwell, 1529–40 - 3 Cromwell and government, 1534–40 (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Option B3: Key topic 3: The Reformation and its impact, 1529–40 - 2 Opposition to, and impact of, Reformation, 1534–40 (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)

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