Which law, influenced by King Philip, dictated that all new Spanish towns must have a central plaza?

The Laws of the Indies were a set of guidelines issued by the Spanish Crown in the 16th century, which provided a framework for the colonization and governance of Spanish territories in the Americas and beyond. One of the key aspects of these laws was the requirement for new towns established in the colonies to have a central plaza. This plaza not only served as a focal point for community life but also reinforced the importance of social order and religious practices, often surrounding it with significant buildings such as the church, town hall, and merchants' shops.

The influence of King Philip, particularly during the time of the Spanish Empire, can be seen in these laws as they were part of efforts to create a uniform colonial administration and encourage Spanish architectural traditions in the New World. This planning principle played a vital role in the development of urban landscapes in colonies, ensuring that towns had a well-organized structure that reflected Spanish ideals of community and governance.

In contrast, the other options—such as the Law of the Indians, the Laws of the Spaniards, and the Laws of the Plaza—do not specifically refer to the comprehensive system of regulations that governed urban planning and other aspects in the Spanish colonies, making the Laws of the Indies the most accurate choice for this context