Concentrating on personal issues and usurping power from the Papal authority was what Henry VIII needed to reveal his attributes as a pragmatic ruler. He knew his duty was to be absolute in power, which gave Henry the title, "Protector and only supreme head of the English Church." Henry was able to become a powerful ruler by his practical actions regarding assurance to an heir, and creating a powerless church. .
Henry was pragmatic in internal affairs, which was mirrored by his quest for a male heir. Henry insured dynastic inheritance by enforcing The Act of Succession. This law made sure that when Henry's supposed son became heir he would reign. For those noblemen who disagreed with the act, Henry disposed of them and their antics. Although very obdurate, this insured an heir for England so that it may prosper. He also took pragmatic measures when it came to obtaining power over the papacy.
Henry realized his authority was being challenged when the Pope decided not to accept the annulment between the King and Catherine. To insure power Henry presented the bishops with a law stating they had to make payments to him opposed to Rome. He also issued a praemunire against clerics, and then the whole church for undermining his royal authority. Henry was able to live up to the standards of his title " Protector and only Supreme head of the English church." Henry used laws to reasonably control the papacy and break away from those interfering with his ambitions. .
Henry VIII acted in ways that insured succession for the well-being of England, and rejected the wielding power of the papacy. Henry set no limitations for himself, and was a stern ruler. Henry was pragmatic by creating and enforcing laws pertaining to succession and separations. This, in turn, insured stability for his reign and power. With that Henry became what he was; a king with absolute power due to his pragmatic actions. .