USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Membership & Powers. The Council of the Indies was the supreme legislative and judicial governing body of the Spanish Empire in the Americas. The only authority above the council was the monarchy itself. Its members were few, between six and ten, all appointed by the monarch.

Detailed explanation-2: -It was established in 1524 by Charles V to administer “the Indies, ” Spain’s name for its territories.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Council of the Indies was responsible for the governing of the Spanish Empire, including issues of religion. During the reign of Philip II, the Council gained independence from the Council of Castile and was able to take more control of the Spanish territories.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Spanish Empire (Spanish: Imperio español), also known as the Hispanic Monarchy (Spanish: Monarquía Hispánica) or the Catholic Monarchy (Spanish: Monarquía Católica) was a colonial empire governed by Spain and its predecessor states between 1492 and 1976.

Detailed explanation-5: -Composed of between 6 and 10 councillors appointed by the king, the council prepared and issued all legislation governing the colonies in the king’s name, approved all important acts and expenditures by colonial officials, and acted as a court of last resort in civil suits appealed from colonial courts.