Did Spain have a strong central government?

Spain did not have a strong central government until the 18th century. The country was divided into many regional kingdoms and provinces, each with its distinct laws and customs. The king of Spain had limited power and was often forced to negotiate with the regional rulers to get his policies implemented. This often led to conflict and made it difficult for Spain to act as a unified nation.

In the 18th century, the Bourbon dynasty introduced a number of reforms that strengthened the central government. They created a new system of administration, abolished the regional councils, and increased the power of the king. This allowed Spain to become a more unified and centralized state.