Rulers and ruled

The rulers of smaller towns had less extensive powers, those of rural parishes fewer still. And yet they used what powers they possessed and invoked outside authorities where necessary. Given the extent of popular participation in government and the complex relationships which operated within and alongside formal structures of authority, many people were both 'rulers' and 'ruled'. The extent of popular participation in government, and the ways in which informal or personal influences could shape seemingly impersonal processes, can be illustrated with reference to the law by far the most widely used 'resource' provided by the Restoration state. Moreover the state's varied elements made it a diverse resource: those who failed to receive satisfaction from the privy council could try the law courts, or petition Parliament. The 'better sort' advised those who were considering litigation or criminal prosecutions and acted as arbiters in disputes, seeking to maintain communal harmony and avoid expensive recourse to the law.