Medieval Monarchy: Power Structures in Castile and Aragon

The Crisis of the Middle Ages: Ages 14 and 15

In the Kingdom of Castile, the monarchy consolidated its power. The relationship between the king and his subjects was based on mutual assistance: nobles provided soldiers for war, while the king granted economic benefits and judicial sovereignty in return. This evolution led to absolute and unlimited royal power.

Strengthening the Monarchy and Legislative Institutions

The strengthening of the monarchy was driven by the development of legislative institutions:

• The Cortes: Powers increased as the courts of Castile and Leon merged.
• Royal Audience: Created in 1371 as the supreme organ of justice, eventually settling in Valladolid.
• Royal Council: Evolved from the Visigothic Curia, initially composed of nobles and prelates, later incorporating eight professional lawyers.

Changes in Municipal Government

Alfonso XI, following the Battle of Salado, ended the internal democracy of open councils. These were replaced by regiments—councils formed by life-appointed councilors from the nobility or bourgeoisie. Additionally, the figure of the corregidor (mayor) was introduced to resolve serious urban problems and monitor legal compliance.

The Kingdom of Aragon: A Pact-Based Monarchy

The Kingdom of Aragon functioned as a confederation (Catalonia, Valencia, Aragon, and the Balearic Islands), each with distinct laws and customs. It operated under a pactista system, a contractual agreement between the monarch and the privileged classes (nobility and clergy), confirmed by King Pedro III.

Aragonese Administrative Structure

• Viceroyalties: Each kingdom had a viceroy representing the monarch.
• Justice of Aragon: An institution responsible for defending the rights and fiefs of the kingdom.
• Deputations (Generalitat): Originally created to monitor tax collection, these bodies eventually gained significant political power to ensure legal compliance.

Municipal Decline

Similar to Castile, municipal power in Aragon fell into the hands of the oligarchy. Councilmen were known as jurados, though in Barcelona, they were famously known as the Consell de Cent (Council of One Hundred).