New Monarchies Practice Test

A student claims that new monarchies were “modern nation-states” because they were fully democratic and based on popular sovereignty. However, the same student notes that these rulers strengthened royal courts, expanded taxation, and limited aristocratic disorder while still relying on traditional legitimacy and elite cooperation. Which correction best addresses the student’s misunderstanding?

In Spain, Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile worked to unify their realms administratively. They strengthened royal councils, curtailed aristocratic disorder, supported the Hermandades (local policing associations), and used religious policy to promote political unity. These steps resembled other new monarchies’ efforts to create more effective states. Which development most directly supported their goal of consolidating royal authority?