The Catholic Monarchs: Unifying Spain Through Institutions

During the reign of the Catholic Monarchs, while a unified state as a legal entity didn't exist, the monarchs ruled over a collection of territories with shared interests. They were aware of this commonality and, while retaining the traditional titles of their respective kingdoms, sought to create new institutions and homogenize existing ones. Key examples include the Inquisition, the establishment of permanent Ambassadors, and the strengthening of the Army.

Government Institutions

Several key government institutions emerged or were consolidated during this period:

Viceroyalties

Viceroyalties were established as representatives of the monarchs in realms where they were frequently absent. Viceroys held significant political, judicial, and military functions.

Councils (Consejos)

Councils served as advisory bodies, providing guidance and developing non-binding opinions. Two primary types of territorial councils existed:

Council of Castile

The Council of Castile, evolving from the old royal council, possessed broad and somewhat undefined authority. Composed of clergy, nobles, and lawyers, it functioned as a supreme court and occasionally encroached upon legislative matters. It was also an itinerant body.

Council of Aragon

Similar to the Council of Castile, the Council of Aragon originated as the royal council of Aragon. Also itinerant, its jurisdiction extended to territories including Italian possessions.

Other Specialized Councils

• Council of the Holy Cross: Responsible for managing funds received through the Bull of the Holy Cross, initially used to finance the War of Granada.
• Council of Military Orders: Created in 1498 after Ferdinand secured the mastership of the military orders, providing an effective means of controlling the nobility.
• Council of the Inquisition: While the Inquisition existed as an ecclesiastical court in Aragon and Navarre to persecute heresy, the Catholic Monarchs obtained papal authority to organize it in Castile to prosecute false converts. This new iteration fell under the Crown's jurisdiction and operated across all kingdoms. The Supreme Council and General Council of the Inquisition were established.
• The Holy Brotherhood: Established to prosecute wrongdoers operating in rural areas and small towns. Its troopers were funded locally, with headquarters in Toledo, and operated independently within the Kingdom of Castile.

Secretaries

Secretaries, trusted individuals, acted as the link between the monarchy and the councils (consejos).

The Cortes

Given the increasingly authoritarian tendencies of the monarchs, the Cortes (parliament) lost importance and were convened infrequently.