ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the relationship between political theory, legal frameworks, and practice of government in defining the nature of Spanish and Portuguese Crown rule and administration beyond Europe. It examines not only the similarities and differences between the Spanish and Portuguese institutional frameworks, but also their mutual influence over time. The chapter analyses the instruments the crowns developed to manage their officials from afar and to ensure their obedience and accountability in distant colonial contexts. In Brazil as in Spanish America, despite efforts toward centralisation, the various institutions of Iberian administration, from viceroyalties to governorships, high courts to royal treasuries, bishoprics to municipal councils, were created in different moments for distinct purposes. The theme of the government and administration of Spain’s overseas territories provides a unique perspective from which to analyse the incorporation of those territories within the Spanish monarchy, and the extent to which their integration proved exceptional.
