Medieval Spanish Cortes: Evolution, Role, and Influence
The Influence of Quod Omnes Tangit in Spain
The influence of Quod Omnes Tangit is evident in Spain, appearing in legal texts like the Speculum and Partidas, as well as literary works such as the Rimado de Palacio.
Written in the late 14th or early 15th century, the Rimado de Palacio offers a political interpretation of Quod Omnes Tangit, applying it to the right of citizens, nobles, and ecclesiastics to advise the monarch and participate in relevant matters. Maravall also identified echoes of this democratic tide in court records.
Transformation of the Curia into Cortes
The transformation of the royal curiae into parliament can be analyzed from two perspectives: the requirements for clergy involvement in parliament, and the causes of this transformation in medieval Europe, specifically Spain.
Clergy’s Role in Parliament
Historian Lord Haward suggests three conditions for a curia regis to be considered a parliament:
- Regular and systematic assembly of ruling classes, especially citizens, with the king.
- Fixed forms of representation based on specific criteria.
- The people’s role as collaborators, sharing royal power and responsibility, not merely affirming the prince’s decisions.
Reasons for Citizen Integration
Professor Valdeavellano highlights two reasons for citizens’ stable integration into assemblies of nobles and clergy:
- The economic power of councils with substantial resources.
- The kings’ need for extraordinary contributions from these councils to meet financial burdens.
The bourgeoisie, controlling councils and trade, became a powerful lobby. Their desire to join the main assembly aligned with the monarch’s need for financial cooperation from cities and citizens, although this concordance was not without tensions.
Kings had to relinquish exclusive political power, recognizing the representative nature of assemblies, due to protests and claims from unions and brotherhoods.
Finally, the establishment of parliamentary assemblies relates to “public opinion” and the awareness of democratic achievements in other realms, or through individuals attempting to transplant parliamentary institutions from other countries.
Spanish Context
These sociological, economic, and political factors apply to Spain, explaining the presence of city attorneys in the Castilian curiae. Sánchez-Albornoz links this to currency and tax issues.
Currency and Taxation
Castile, León, and Portugal granted the king the right to coin money. However, the royal treasury faced increasing costs due to military ventures, bureaucracy, and mismanagement. Royal land grants and exemptions further strained finances.
To increase income, kings debased the currency, causing price rises and unrest. Councils offered payments to prevent this, starting with the Cortes of Benavente in 1202.
This practice led to a tax called moneda forera. Monarchs demanded further collections, threatening currency debasement. Resistance led to tax discussions in the full curiae, where affected councils sought representation. This transformed the curiae into Cortes, primarily focused on tax rates.
Nature and Powers of the Cortes
Advisory Body or Power Limiter?
The nature of the medieval Cortes, particularly in Castile, is debated. Were they an assembly limiting royal power, or merely an advisory body?