What were the four Spanish institutions in colonial south America?

1. The Council of the Indies: Established in 1524, this council acted as the highest governmental and judicial body in the Spanish colonies. It was responsible for overseeing the administration, legislation, and commerce of the colonies, as well as appointing officials and resolving disputes.

2. The viceroyalty: Each colony was governed by a viceroy, who represented the Spanish monarch and was appointed by the king. The viceroy had extensive powers, including the authority to declare war, negotiate treaties, and appoint local officials.

3. The audiencia: This was a high court of justice that functioned both as an appellate court and as a court of first instance for certain cases. The audiencia also acted as an advisory body to the viceroy.

4. The cabildo: This was a local council that governed towns and cities. It consisted of elected officials and represented the interests of the local population. The cabildo had limited powers, but it played an important role in local affairs and served as a check on the power of the viceroy.