<u>Government:</u> The viceroy was the main representative of the Spanish Kingdom in the Americas. The viceroyalties in the Americas were considered as provinces, rather than colonies. Therefore, they possessed the same rights as the provinces in Spain.
<u>Religion:</u> The Catholic Church and its members occupied the highest ranks of the social pyramid of the territories ruled by Spain. They served as advisory personnel for the ruling authorities.
<u>Economics:</u> The colonies were of great importance for the Spanish Crown. They were sources for gold and other precious metals, which would be then shipped to Spain.
