Pagpopook ng Kapangyarihang Politikal: Prosesong Elektoral sa Lalawigan ng Tayabas, 1846–1895 (Contextualizing Political Power: Electoral Process in the Province of Tayabas, 1846–1895)

Abstract

This article examines the political power of the church, state, and local elite in the context of the local elections, particularly the elections of the gobernadorcillo, in the Province of Tayabas from 1846 to 1895. Contained in the laws, decrees, and circulars of the Spanish government were the electoral process and method for the election of the gobernadorcillo. The election laws that will be discussed in this article are the Ordenanzas de Buen Gobierno de 1768; Circular de 5 de Octubre de 1847; and Real Decreto de Mayo 19 de 1893. This research will also discuss how the Spanish government instituted electoral reforms to prevent the abuse of power from the church and state. Part of the reform in the electoral process was to preserve the balance of power which was implemented through the political system called “check and balance”.

Keywords

• political power
• electoral process
• election laws
• local elites
• Spanish colonialism