The Gran i General Consell was the supreme political, administrative, and representative organ of the Kingdom of Majorca. Since the Kingdom of Majorca did not have courts, the Gran i General Consell took over most of the functions they would otherwise have had, including the role of a representative body. The Gran i General Consell evolved from the Catalan municipal councils, especially that of the City of Majorca. At the same time, all other separate Majorcan institutions were dissolved. Three important characteristics of the Gran i General Consell were:
The principle that the amount of participation granted to representatives in the Gran i General Consell should be in line with their contributions to society.
The democratic principle of decision-making based on the wishes of the majority.
Unlike the Spanish Cortes of the time, the Consell could not be summoned by the king but was subject to the jurisdiction of the judges.
Similarities between the Consell and the Cortes
Both the Consell and the Cortes were collegiate organs, the Consell being composed of members divided into the same categories as the members of the Cortes. The Consell collaborated with the king in matters of legislation and administration, and had the power to oversee over the king in his relations with the Consell itself.
Functions of the Consell
The Consell was a debating chamber, and could convene on the orders of the judges and in the absence of the king and the viceroy. However, in the absence of the viceroy, the judges and the sindics, who were nominated specially for the purpose, the Consell could not act as an executive body. Decisions were taken by majority vote, and it could act in defence of the realm, or assist the king's officers.
Powers
The Consell could draft laws, but afterwards, these would have to be approved either by the king or by the viceroy.
Proposing laws to the king.
Amending laws and supervision of its own constitution.
Approval of the budget and passing of laws to allow for the collection of taxes and the expenditure of funds.
Defence, including organization of the militia; management of the military; procurement of material; construction of fortifications.
The Plenary Council was composed of all members of the Consell.
The Lesser Council or Secret Council was an executive committee of the full Consell with delegated powers; it consisted of 30 councillors, of which at least 3 had to be representatives of the towns.
Beginning in 1447, the members were selected by Sac i sort. This was a form of sortition, in which the names of all eligible candidates were placed in a sack and selected randomly.
Location
The Council met at the Sala de la Juraria on the Plaça de les Corts in Palma ; as of 2008, the building houses the Ajuntament of Palma.
Functionaries
Notary scribe, later replaced by a position of secretary, who came to serve also as an archivist.
Two síndics who represented the Majorcans from outside of Palma.
