In practice the different powers were often confounded.

The principle of pontifical infallibility was applied to administrative questions.

The personal decision of the Sovereign had been known to reverse the decision of the tribunals, even in civil matters.

The Cardinal Secretary of State, first minister in the fullest extent of the term, concentred in his own hands all the powers of the State.

Under his supreme direction the different branches of the administration were confided to clerks rather than ministers.