Administrative Policy of James II in England and Scotland, 1685?1688

The article deals with king James II Stuart policy in forming his own royal administration. While promoting his policy of Roman Catholics emancipation and strengthening the role of Crown in political system of Britain the king faced the stubbornness of traditional British political elite. As a result, James II had to form a new group of his close supporters. However, the king had the limited area of maneuvering due to the lack of good and professional politics. So, James II had to involve some of the experienced politicians who had served to his older brother and predecessor king Charles II. The author indicates the channels of recruitment of new elite. Firstly, the king used the talented representatives from the traditional British opposition to the crown ? whigs. The king tried to involve youth, active officers and jurists into the royal service. The most brilliant of them were Englishmen William Williams and Scot George Lockhart. Besides, the king tried to entitle his relatives to high posts in government. But after the conflict with Lord Treasurer Earl of Rochester, James II decided to delegated the Treasure to commission, one half of that consisted of professional financists, and the second half ? of Roman Catholic Lords who were the great confidantes of the king. James II was very active in Scotland, where the situation was very different from that of England. The position of local elite was much stronger. The King had to rely on the old aristocracy, but tried to give the most important appointments to Roman Catholics and professional officers. Thus, it was the militarization of Scottish Government.