Alcalde mayor facts for kids

An alcalde mayor was an important official in Spain and its territories, like Mexico and Peru, from the 1300s to the 1800s. These officials had many jobs, including being a judge, a manager of the government, and sometimes even a military leader. Their power was usually greater than a regular alcalde, who was more like a local mayor. The area they were in charge of was called an alcaldía mayor. If someone disagreed with a decision made by an alcalde mayor, they could appeal to a higher court called an audiencia.

In New Spain (which is now Mexico), alcaldes mayores were the main leaders in areas called alcaldías mayores. In colonial-era Peru, similar areas were known as corregimientos, and the officials were called corregidores.

What Was an Alcalde Mayor?

An alcalde mayor was a powerful regional leader. They served in both Spain and the vast lands it controlled, known as the Spanish Empire. This role existed for a very long time, from at least the 14th century (the 1300s) all the way to the 19th century (the 1800s).

Their Important Jobs

These officials had many different responsibilities. They were involved in four main areas:

• Judicial: This means they acted as judges. They heard legal cases and made decisions about them, helping to keep law and order.
• Administrative: They managed the day-to-day running of their region. This included things like collecting taxes and making sure public services worked.
• Military: Sometimes, they also had military duties. They might have been in charge of local soldiers or defenses.
• Legislative: This means they had some power to make local rules or laws for their area.

Their power was quite significant. Their judicial and administrative roles were more important than those of a regular alcalde. An alcalde was a local official, similar to a town mayor today.

Where They Ruled

The specific area where an alcalde mayor had authority was known as an alcaldía mayor. Think of it like a district or a province that they were responsible for.

If someone felt that an alcalde mayor had made a wrong decision, especially in a legal case, they could ask a higher court to review it. These higher courts were called audiencias. An audiencia was a type of royal court that handled appeals and other important legal matters.

Alcaldes Mayores in the Americas

When Spain built its empire in the Americas, it set up similar systems.

• In New Spain, which is mostly modern-day Mexico, alcaldes mayores were the main administrators. They governed large areas called alcaldías mayores.
• In colonial-era Peru, similar administrative units existed. These were called corregimientos, and the officials in charge were known as corregidores. While the name was different, their jobs were very similar to those of an alcalde mayor.

See also

In Spanish: Alcalde mayor para niños

• Alcalde ordinario
• Presidente municipal
• Mayor
• Sargento mayor
• Corregidor
• Cabildo
• Regidor
• Síndico
• Ayuntamiento
• Teniente a guerra
• Corregimiento
• Alcalde de la Santa Hermandad