The Rise of Royal Power: Centralization in Castile vs. Pactism in Aragon
The Centralization of the Castilian Monarchy (Late Middle Ages)
The strengthening of the centralist Castilian monarchy occurred during the Late Middle Ages in the peninsular Christian kingdoms, although it was in open conflict with the nobility, who resisted courtly efforts. The nobility retained its powers and privileges of the feudal monarchy, especially economic ones. The royal lands were under the direct control of the King’s Royal Institution.
Legal Foundations and Royal Authority
The Royal Institution drew on Roman law and favored legislative unity, necessary because there was a huge variety of laws and liberties; each city had its own privileges, and some were still based on ancient legal codes. The kings sought to enforce general laws for the realm, based on Roman public law, Visigothic law, or custom. Until the 13th century in the Christian kingdoms, the king had primarily been the chief warrior, living on land revenues and royalties.
The Birth of the Cortes and State Administration
The most important agency of state administration was the medieval Curia Regia, which consisted of the nobility and clergy. In León, King Alfonso IX convened the bourgeoisie in the Curia Regia (representing the cities), thus giving birth to the Cortes. This practice became normal in the 13th century in Castile and Aragon, and the 14th century in Navarre.
The organization of the Cortes required subjects to respond to inquiries from the king and vote on subsidios (extraordinary taxes). The king swore the charters and laws of the kingdom while the subjects promised fidelity. Subsequently, the nobility and clergy often stopped attending the court. In the Cortes of Burgos, General Fraternities were created to defend the cities.
Institutional Strengthening in Castile
Castile had centralized power and elaborated a comprehensive body of law, including works like the Partidas of Alfonso X. The Ordering of Alcalá in 1348, promulgated by Alfonso XI, further enhanced royal power. The strengthening of the Castilian monarchy led to the creation of the Royal Council. Other key institutions included:
- The Audiencias (Hearings), established as the supreme organ of justice.
- The Chancery, which emerged to handle royal documents.
- The Royal Treasury, which was reorganized with the creation of accounting systems and the appointment of the Chief Butler.
- The Merino, the chief official who assisted the king in local administration.
Self-Governing Municipal Councils
Municipalities appeared due to demographic growth and the appearance of a rich and influential minority, acting as a representative body of government in towns and cities. In the Crown of Castile, to prevent abuse and control local power, the king appointed magistrates as royal officials.
The Pactist Monarchy of the Crown of Aragon
In contrast to Castile, the monarchy in the Crown of Aragon retained its pactist character. The Aragonese monarchy was very limited, existing as a confederation of territories with their own laws and institutions. The Cortes of Aragon exercised the role of counterweight to the authority of the king. The Viceroyalties represented the royal authority and acted on the king’s behalf.
Permanent Deputations and Local Power
The Provincial Commission of the Cortes, which controlled the collection of taxes granted to the king, became permanent deputations:
- The Deputation General of Catalonia: Consisting of three auditors and three justices who oversaw the levying of subsidies granted by the Cortes to the monarch.
- The Deputation of the Kingdom of Aragon: Held political and fiscal powers.
- The Deputation of the Kingdom of Valencia.
The most important institutional figure in Aragon was the Chief Justice of Aragon, a member of the nobility appointed by the Cortes, who administered justice, interpreted laws, and ensured compliance with the charters.
James I established specific charters for the territories:
- Valencia: The Furs
- Catalonia: The Usages
- Navarre: A General Jurisdiction
- Barcelona: Governed by municipal councilors, the Consell de Cent