Medieval institutions

   The political structure of the kingdoms was based on three institutions: the monarchy , the Cortes and the municipal council.

   The Cortes were created when the monarchs allowed municipal representatives into the extraordinary Curia, an assembly of nobles and clergy. The Cortes advised the king and sometimes approved laws, but it could not legislate.

   The first Cortes on the Peninsula were created in the Kingdom of Leon in 1188.

   In the 13th century, the Kingdom of Castile and the territories of the Crown of Aragon and tge Kingdom of Navarre also established Cortes.