Final answer:
Local presidio commanders were royal officials with broad responsibility for the oversight of provinces, exercising political and military power, managing judicial affairs, collecting taxes, and supervising public works, while also maintaining social hierarchies within the empire.
Step-by-step explanation:
The local presidio commanders, often referred to as governors or other titles depending on the specific historical context, were royal officials tasked with overseeing the provinces in various empires. Their responsibilities included the exercise of both political and military power, enforcement of judicial affairs, tax collection, public works management, and sometimes the defense of territories against external threats such as pirates. These officials had a significant impact on local governance and the implementation of the policies of their respective empires.
For instance, in the context of the Spanish Empire, such officials reported directly to the king to reduce corruption and promote centralization. They contributed to economic development and maintained the social hierarchy, favoring peninsulares over the creole elite. Similarly, in other empires, such as the Inca Empire, governors were installed to manage provinces while preserving a measure of local autonomy and ensuring that provincial administration aligned with the central authority's demands.