Habsburg Political System: Union of Kingdoms in Spain
The Habsburg Political Model: The Union of Kingdoms
Decentralized Governance Under the Castilian Crown
The political model of the Habsburg monarchy can be defined as a system governing different realms through a decentralized structure, under the primacy of the Castilian crown. This model was inherited from the Catholic Monarchs (RRCC). However, from the second half of the 16th century, kings settled in Madrid, establishing it as the capital. They surrounded themselves with a professionalized management structure that overlapped the administrations of each kingdom.
Strengthening of Royal Power
The strengthening of royal power was achieved through several key measures:
- The consolidation of a diplomatic network of ambassadors.
- The increased presence of the secretaries of the councils (the king’s personal secretary was, at the same time, secretary of the Council of State).
- The bureaucratization of administrative actions.
Central Government: The Council System
From the perspective of the central government, the Habsburgs employed a system of governance by councils (polysynodial). Notable councils included:
- The Council of State: Chaired by the king.
- Regional Councils: Castile, Aragon, Indies, Flanders, Italy, and Portugal.
- Technical Advisory Councils: Inquisition, Military Orders, Finance, and War.
The councils had a dual role:
- Raising reports to the king.
- Resolving issues within their jurisdiction.
Territorial Administration
Each territory maintained its own institutions, and its affairs were addressed in the relevant council. Key institutions included:
- Viceroys: Replaced the king in the Castilian territories.
- Courts
- Hearings
Local Administration
At the local level, municipalities remained controlled by local elites, with magistrates appointed by the king. In Castile, the sale of municipal offices became widespread, while in the Kingdom of Aragon, a system of election by lot (insaculación) became general.