La formación de la clase política liberal en España (1833-1868)

Abstract

This article analyses the formation of the political class in Spain during Elisabeth II's reign. Gaetano Mosca's concept has been taken as a point of departure for the study and the three main components of this theory have been tested: the mechanisms of reproduction and renewing of the ruling class; the politicians' characteristics; and the different forms of organisation to wield their power. A real and modern political class began to be created in Spain, adapted to the needs of a representativa State that was undergoing its construction. To bring that about; power circles werw open to an intense renewal, co-opting families of provincial gentry networks. The effect was a class made up of mostly jurists and attached to the values and interests of the land property; a new class that was inspired by revolutionary principle, but that soon limited the circle of power, becoming aristocrat and strengthening the mechanisms of reproduction.