Who in the sixteenth-century Spanish empire would have the most authority?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An administrative official from Spain would have the most authority in the sixteenth-century Spanish empire as they were appointed by the Spanish crown and held positions of power in government and the military. Native American chiefs and Catholic priests may hold influence in their communities, but they would not have the same level of authority as a Spanish administrative official. Locally born wealthy landowners (criollos) may have some power and influence, but they were often marginalized in comparison to Spanish officials.

Who in the Sixteenth-Century Spanish Empire Would Have the Most