With reference to England, to what extent were Henry II’s reforms to local government more significant than his reforms to central government?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the suggestion that the reforms to local government during the reign of Henry II were more significant than those to central government. Candidates may discuss local and central government separately, or they may offer a comparison of the impact of various reforms on central and local government. Responses may focus on the law and administration, and on the role of the justiciar. There may also be consideration of the standardization of common law and customary law and the impact of the activities of royal justices in bringing order to the localities. Central government reform focused on royal finances to restore royal authority and to ensure this was maintained during Henry’s absences.