The conflicts which had continued throughout the reign of his father between king and Parliament speedily broke out afresh.

The Commons refused to grant supplies, unless the king granted rights and privileges which he deemed alike derogatory and dangerous.

The shifty foreign policy of England was continued, and soon the breach was as wide as it had been during the previous reign.
After several Parliaments had been called and dissolved, some gaining advantage from the necessities of the king, others meeting only to separate after discussions which imbittered the already existing relations, for ten years the king dispensed with a Parliament.

The murder of the Duke of Buckingham by Felton brought no alleviation to the situation.

In Ireland, Wentworth, Earl of Strafford, ruled with tyrannical power.