During Elizabeth’s reign, the House of Commons became increasingly confident and assertive. Soon after Elizabeth became queen of England, the Protestants gained full control of parliament. It now became very important to parliament that Elizabeth marry. The Queen did not like it when they tried to discuss her personal life, but the House of Commons insisted that it had the right to do so, because, its members were guaranteed freedom of speech.
Elizabeth clashed with the Commons on other issues too. Although she agreed that its members had complete freedom of speech, she believed that certain issues such as religion or foreign policy were best left to her and her Privy Council. On thirty-six occasions, Elizabeth even vetoed laws passed by parliament.