How did Frederick II reorganize imperial administration in Italy during his war with the papacy?

During his conflict with the papacy, Frederick II’s approach to imperial administration in Italy focused on asserting direct authority and utilizing his Sicilian kingdom as a power base, rather than relying on the traditional, often fitful support of German princes.12

Key aspects of his reorganization included:

• Centralized Sicilian Administration: Frederick strengthened his control over the Kingdom of Sicily by revoking certain baronial privileges and establishing a professional civil service trained at the University of Naples, which he founded in 1224.32
• Legislative Reform: He promulgated the Constitutions of Melfi in 1231, which utilized Roman and canon law to unify his domains, improve judicial efficiency, and rationalize administrative procedures.2
• Military and Propaganda Strategy: To secure his rights in northern Italy, Frederick relied on local tyrants, such as the da Romano family, and employed his chancellor, Pietro della Vigna, to lead a sophisticated propaganda campaign against the papacy.1
• State Control: He implemented measures to bring trade under state control and established a navy and merchant fleet to bolster his kingdom's economic and military independence.3