viceroyalty

A viceroy is an official who rules a territory as the representative of a sovereign or king, empowered to act in their name. The term was used for the chief governors of Spain's American colonies, such as the Viceroyalty of New Spain (Mexico) and the Viceroyalty of Peru, as well as for governors of regions within Spain itself. These viceroys were appointed by the Spanish king and held extensive powers, including collecting revenues, appointing officials, enforcing laws, and protecting indigenous populations.12

The office, authority, or term of service of a viceroy is known as a viceroyalty, which also refers to the territory they governed. While viceroys had significant power, their authority could be limited by other royal appointees, detailed regulations from the home government, and the audiencia, a court that shared administrative duties. In Brazil, a similar position was styled viceroy from the mid-17th century, and the British also used the title for their governors in Ireland and the governor-general of India.31