But with each supply some step was made to greater political influence.

In his earlier years Edward showed no jealousy of the Parliament.

His policy was to make the struggle with France a national one by winning for it the sympathy of the people at large; and with this view he not only published in the County Courts the efforts he had made for peace, but appealed again and again for the sanction and advice of Parliament in his enterprise.

In 1331 he asked the Estates whether they would prefer negotiation or war: in 1338 he declared that his expedition to Flanders was made by the assent of the Lords and at the prayer of the Commons.

The part of the last in public affairs grew greater in spite of their own efforts to remain obscure.