The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is d) España.
The term “autoridades metropolitanas” refers to the central governing bodies of the Spanish Empire, which were located in the metropolis, the mother country. During the colonial period of Latin America, from the 16th to the early 19th centuries, the metropolis that governed territories like Perú, México, and Chile was Spain. Therefore, the headquarters, or “sede,” of the supreme political power were situated in Spain.
The two most important metropolitan institutions that governed the American colonies were the King of Spain and the Council of the Indies (Consejo de Indias). The King held ultimate authority as the absolute monarch. The Council of the Indies, formally established in 1524 and based in Madrid, was the primary administrative and advisory body for colonial affairs. It had vast powers, including drafting laws for the colonies, proposing candidates for high colonial offices like viceroys and bishops, and serving as the final court of appeals for legal cases originating in the Americas. All significant decisions concerning the political, economic, and social life of the colonies were made by these authorities in Spain.
The other options are incorrect because they represent locations of subordinate, or colonial, authorities. Perú and México were the seats of the two most powerful viceroyalties in the Americas, with their capitals in Lima and Mexico City, respectively. These cities housed the viceroys, who were the king’s personal representatives, and the Royal Audiencias, which were high courts. However, these officials and institutions were appointed by and answered to the crown in Spain. Chile was a captaincy general, an important but lesser administrative unit, also under Spanish control. Francia (France) is incorrect because it was a separate European empire with its own colonial territories and had no governing role in Spanish America.
