Hispanic Monarchy Governance: Councils and Evolution
Hispanic Monarchy Governance
The governance structure of the Hispanic Monarchy in the modern age is defined as Polysynody, characterized by a multiplicity of Councils. This concept originates from the Consilium or Curia Regis, meetings of nobles who advised medieval kings. These Councils evolved during the Middle Ages, taking their definitive form under the Catholic Monarchs, a structure largely maintained by the Habsburgs.
The Councils operated on the principle that the King, as the guarantor of Royal Power, made the decisions. The Councils presented problems and proposed solutions, but lacked enforcement capacity, as sovereignty resided with the King. This system often slowed Spanish bureaucracy, as the monarch had to address numerous decisions simultaneously.
Councils were divided into two main groups: regional councils, representing the institutional structure of various kingdoms, and thematic councils, specializing in specific areas.
Regional Councils
- Council of Castile: Heir to the royal council, specializing in the internal government of the Castilian crown.
- Council of Aragon
- Council of Italy
- Council of Portugal
- Council of Flanders
- Council of the Indies
Thematic Councils
- Inquisition Council
- Crusade Council: Created in 1525, responsible for administering papal bulls and subsidies against the Turks.
- Orders Council: Administered justice and appointments for military orders.
- Finance Council: Managed tax collection, royal finances, and debts with bankers. It had four courts: the treasury board, the court of Millions, the court of auditors, and the accounting major accounts.
- War Council
Two additional councils were composed of members appointed by the monarch or advisors from various areas.
This system’s inefficiency became apparent due to the King’s heavy reliance on it. Figures known as validos emerged, acting as prime ministers due to their proximity to the sovereign. Their lack of legitimacy diminished their capacity, but they foreshadowed the trend that culminated with the Bourbons.
The Councils’ inability to integrate the monarchy’s territories was another factor in their decline. Language, laws, and customs remained distinct in each territory, with only Catholicism as a unifying element. Attempts at political centralization, like the Count-Duke of Olivares’ “Union de Armas,” led to crises, such as the separation of Portugal and Catalonia in 1640.
The Bourbon dynasty’s arrival in 1700 prompted a reevaluation of the Polysynody system. The Councils’ role diminished, except for Castile. Reforms in the Treasury, Navy, and American administration similarly affected the thematic councils. The Inquisition remained an instrument to control opposition but became associated with reactionary elements. Bureaucrats replaced favorites, boosting administration during the eighteenth century.