WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The Spanish Empire was not a single monarchy with one legal system but a federation of separate realms, each jealously guarding its own rights against those of the House of Habsburg. In practice, Philip often found his authority overruled by local assemblies and his word less effective than that of local lords.

Detailed explanation-2: -Upon becoming King of Spain, Philip II was the ruler of one of the largest empires the world had ever seen. During his long life, he attempted to expand the power of Spain, centralize the government, and protect the Catholic Church against Protestant reformers.

Detailed explanation-3: -Ferdinand and Isabella increased royal power considerably. They weakened 1. the nobility by destroying the nobles’ fortified castles, 2) the Catholic Church by gaining the right to nominate important Church officials 3) the Cortes, the Spanish legislature, by enacting laws without its approval.

Detailed explanation-4: -As the reigning monarch the king of Spain has absolute sovereign immunity, he cannot be charged in any court of law in the Spanish state. This immunity applies to both civil and criminal cases.