B. Until the 15th century, Spain was only a distant participant in the general movement of European affairs. The different kingdoms sharing the Spanish peninsula were individually too weak to pursue an energetic foreign policy. The marriage of royal cousins, Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castille, in 1469 brought stability to both kingdoms. Both understood the importance of unity; together they effected institutional reform, such as in the Spanish Reformation, and left Spain one of the best administered countries in Europe.

Even with the personal union of the crowns, Castille and Aragon remained constitutionally distinct political entities. Ferdinand, who had received his political education in the federalism of Aragon, brought a new emphasis on constitutionalism and a respect for local towns to Castille. Ferdinand was one of the most skillful diplomats in an age of great diplomats, and he and Isabella transformed Spain into a dual absolute monarchy. At the time of their rise to power, the crown had beaten off the last assault of the feudal world. These great monarchs had the firm will necessary to res

In April of 1492 Isabella faithfully deceided to sponsor the voyages of Christopher Columbus. Columbus recieved from Ferdinand and Isabella a leter to be presented to the Great Khan of the Far East; but the possibillity of new terrirotial discovery in the "Ocean Sea" was allowed for in his contract with the Spanish Monarchs, and he was promised political and commercial privileges in whatever new lands he might encounter. On October 12th of 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered America, which led to the creation of the overesas Spanish colonial empire, bringing great wealth and power to Spain.

The Catholic Monarchs instituted royal councils, composed of: the Council of State, the Council of Justice, and the Council of Finance. The Council of Justice dominated the whole judicial organization and was the essential organ of royal power. The Council of State was presided over by the sovereigns in person and it dealt with foreign affairs. The Council of Finance supervised the administration of public finances. Eventually the persecution of the Moors and Jews led to the organization of the fourth council, the Council of the Inquisition. The Sovereigns appointed a grand inquisitor as its president, and three ecclesiastics and two doctors of law assisted him. The Sovereigns eventually lost control over this council and had to yield to it. Sovereigns were justice itself, and therefore they made and applied the law. They saw themselves as the supreme judge and the redresser of wrongs. In the area of justice, their, mainly Isabella's, study of Roman Law led them away from na!

The relationship between the Church and State under the rule of the Catholic Monarchs is very significant. Isabella was especially passoinate in her piety, always displayed the concern for the clergy, and the greatest veneration for the Holy See. However, she would never abandon the crown's rights and privileges in deference to the Catholic Church. They were given the title of "Catholic Monarchs" because they surrounded themselves with priests and monks and employ

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