In the complex structure of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, not all power was concentrated in the viceroy or in high courts such as the Royal Audience. There were also forms of local representation, especially in cities and towns, through town councils or city councils. These municipal institutions were fundamental in urban administration, in defending local interests, and in the limited but significant expression of political participation by certain sectors of New Spain society.
Unlike the alcaldes mayores or corregidores, who represented the viceroy’s power, the cabildos were collegiate bodies that represented the local community, although with a strong bias toward peninsular or creole groups with economic and political power.
Origin and composition of town councils
The town councils were transferred from the Castilian tradition, where they had existed since the Middle Ages as municipal bodies of self-government. In the context of New Spain, the first town council was founded in Mexico City in 1524, just a few years after the fall of the Mexica empire. From then on, town councils were established in other important cities such as Puebla, Oaxaca, Guadalajara, and Valladolid (Morelia).
They were composed of:
- Two ordinary mayors, who were local judges.
- Councilors, responsible for various areas such as supply, public works, or police.
- A trustee, legal representative of the town council.
- A scribe, who kept the records.
- In some cases, royal ensign, responsible for the royal banner at official events.
These positions were usually held by people with financial resources, connections to the colonial administration, or local prestige. Many of these positions were saleable, which consolidated the power of the elites.
Main functions
The councils were responsible for a wide variety of functions:
- Manage public funds and regulate markets.
- Organize urban planning, water, lighting, and sanitation.
- Monitor prices, weights, and measurements.
- Ensuring safety and order in the city.
- Manage trade, craft, and construction permits.
In addition, they fulfilled an important political function: they sent representatives to the viceroy or the Audiencia, and in some cases managed to influence decisions that were important for their city.
Although the town councils were legal and recognized institutions, they were not exempt from tensions with other authorities. They often came into conflict with the corregidores or alcaldes mayores, especially when the latter attempted to impose decisions that affected the interests of the city.
There was also friction with the clergy, for example, when discussing the use of urban space or the regulation of religious activities outside churches. These tensions reflect the hybrid nature of local power, where municipal authorities sought to defend their autonomy against higher powers.
Limited participation
Despite their representative function, town councils were far from democratic. In practice, only prominent residents—mainly Spaniards from the peninsula or Creoles—could aspire to these positions. Indigenous peoples, mestizos, people of African descent, and women were excluded from this form of participation.
In some cities with a strong indigenous presence, there were Indian councils, but their power was much more limited and almost always subordinate to the Spanish council.
Conclusion on town councils and city councils in New Spain
The town councils and city councils in New Spain played a key role in urban administration and in representing the local interests of the elites. Although subordinate to viceregal power, these municipal bodies managed to exert significant influence over practical aspects of daily life and, on occasion, viceregal politics as well. However, their closed structure and control by privileged groups limited their ability to truly represent the whole of New Spain society. Even so, they were enduring institutions that left a deep mark on the history of local power in Mexico.
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