4. THE MODERN STATE OF THE CATHOLIC MONARCHS THE NEW AUTHORITARIAN MONARCHY
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The Catholic Monarchs introduced a new authoritarian monarchy model, especially in Castilla with a great tradition of centralised power. They imposed their autorithy over the nobility, clergyand municipalities. Instruments: 1. Councils: They consisted of lawyers and officials that advised the monarchs. The most important: Council of Castiila, Council of Arag´n and Council of War. 2. Royal secretaries: - They were close advisers to the monarchs, serving as link between the different councils. 3. The Cortes: - They were the assemblies of representation for the nobility, the church and the bourgeoisie. - Castilian, Aragonese, Catalan and Valencian Cortes retained significant power in their regions - One of the political objectives of the catholic Monarchs was to get the support of the Cortes and to diminish their power of vetoing tyhe monarchs’ decision. 4. The corregidor, (in the cities) : - this figure presided the town hall on behalf of he monarchs 5. The Court of Justice, named Real Audicencia or Chancillería - It was created to ensure justice. 6. The Countaduría Real de Hacienda - It was a central tax office to collect new taxes and in this way guarante regular incomes 7. Viceroy: - This figure was created to represent the king and queen in each of the kingdoms of the Crown. 8. The permanent army: - They were professional soldiers in service to the monarchs. 9. The Santa Hermandad: - They were an armed corps in charge of prosecuting criminals - They maintained social order in rural areas.