Reformismo borbónico y gobierno municipal (las regidurías compostelanas, siglo XVIII)

Abstract

By the 18th century the private ownership of municipal office was a fait accompli, most city corporations being in the hands of nepotistic local oligarchies. That the newly arrived Bourbon dynasty needed their support prevented neither its direct or indirect intervention in this area, nor the incorporation of new members into the privileged class. This paper discusses modifications in the composition and statutes of the corporation of Santiago de Compostela, and turnover in public office, during the Bourbon Age. Consideration of specific national legislation on city corporations, of the property transfers executed in each public post, of the lawsuits arising therefrom, and of controversies among various groups within the ruling oligarchy throws light on the evolution of local government during this crucial phase in the development of the modern municipality.