The Government of Scotland 1560-1625

Analyzing the institutions and political processes of Scottish government during a formative period, this title shows how the nobility and other interest groups made and implemented policies, from parliament to local courts. It also examines the expansion of Government and its harsh impact in the Highlands and among the common people.
In The Government of Scotland 1560-1625 Goodare 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 governmental processes. A new framework is offered for understanding the concept of 'centre and localities': centralization
happened in the 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.