Acting Viceroys of Peru and the institutionalization of a new appointment system in the 18th century: the pliegos de providencia

Abstract

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Hispanic Monarchy found it difficult to govern its American realms during periods of vacancy of the incumbent viceroy. For this reason, at the beginning of the 18th century the Monarchy implemented a system for appointing interim viceroys known as 'pliego de providencia' or 'pliego de mortaja'. This appointment mechanism was part of a series of Bourbon reforms implemented in the first decade of the Enlightenment. It was intended, among other things, to prevent viceregal power during interim periods from being exercised by the 'audiencia gobernadora'. This article addresses this system of appointment, focusing on the viceroyalty of Peru, from its genesis and initial designs until its definitive incorporation.