Folding Screen, biombo, with the Conquest of Mexico (front) and Mexico city (reverse), mid to late 17th Century “Ciudad de San Juan de la Frontera, en las provincias de Cuyo, Tucumán: plano fundacional.” 1562 Seville, Archivo General de Indias MP, Buenos Aires 9. Document published by Zelia Nutall, “Royal Ordinances Concerning the Laying out of New Towns” Hispanic American Historical Review, 4, 4, (1921). Doc dated 1573. Cabildo: Town Council • Only representative body in the Spanish Americas • Could rule only at city level and its most proximate surroundings • Elected members: councilmembers or alcades. Only Spaniards could be elected, but current Regidor (main magistrate) commonly elected successor • All functions of the city: from public services to defense (by organizing militias), from justice to legislation at the town level King Council of Indies, 1524-1834 Board of Trade, 1543 Viceroy Royal Bureaucracy and Army Europe Real Audiencia Spanish Cabildo (city and towns) Indian Cabildo (Indian villages) Church America Corregidor (rural districts) Critical Amerindian visions on Colonial authorities: Peru, 16th Century. Huaman Poma’s depictions “The Corregidor punishes poor Alcalde Ordinario: bring two additional eggs” Encomendero makes the Corregidor execute the Cacique Don Juan Cayanchire “Corregidor and Priest on a night watch, watching the private parts of women” Real Audiencias (High Courts) Both High Court and Advisory body to Viceroys (Judicial and Executive Powers). Direct communication with the King, confrontation with Viceroys over jurisdiction Audiencia judges were lifetime position, more important than Viceroys in the long term for local regions Medieval concept of justice as the most important task of government Viceroys Conquerors given the title of “Adelantado,” someone advanced into this New World Viceroys put in place to curtail power of both conquistadors and encomenderos, as well as to advance royal control on the ground While concentrated most of the power, Viceroys were in constant conflicts with Real Audiencia over jurisdiction Short terms: 5-7 years. Increasingly a military appointment in the 18th Century. Antonio de Mendoza y Pacheco, First Viceroy of New Spain (Mexico) 1535-1550, and first surviving Viceroy of Peru, 1551-1552. Council of Indies, 1524-1834 • • • • • • Legislative Judicial (it could revoke Real Audiencia rulings) Financial Commercial (it oversaw the Board of Trade, 1543) Military Ecclesiastical
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