Cartas, pedras, tintas e coração: as casas de câmara e a prática política em Minas Gerais (1711-1798)

Abstract

The research aims to analyze the political practices of the chambers at captaincy of Minas Gerais state in the eighteenth century. During the eighteenth century were created fourteen municipalities in the region, in which the chambers were installed. These institutions should perform a great number of actions at the local level. They had assignments in various areas relating to applying justice, collecting taxes and building and maintenance of communities areas such as bridges, streets and fountains. They were responsible for monitoring the town supplies as well as ensuring the weights and measures of local businesses. In addition to these duties, the chambers sought to preserve the interests of the town through mails sent to the king and his ministers. In these mails were written several requests and demands related to the needs of local residents. In addition, the letters show "tensions" between the chambers and ombudsmen, governors, and the Church in various areas.