El secretario mayor de gobernación del virreinato del Perú ( Notas para un estudio histórico-institucional)

Abstract

Within the Viceroyal public administration (in this case, the Viceroyalty of Peru) the Secretary (Secretario de Gobernación) acted as general co-ordinator of the official records, a position that enabled him to efficiently perform the role of adviser to the Viceroy. This silent but indispensable piece of the administrative mechanism —in his double role of handler of beaurocratic documentation, and «hidden mind» (eminencia gris) of the regime— has not been attended to up to now. However, these officials (generally criollos) had deep connaissance of their country and long experience in public affairs, given that their position was held for life. They were in charge of certifying appointments, titles and official activities as well as all type of day-to-day governmental actions. Furthermore, the fact that they had personal accession to the higher authorities increased their capacity to exert political influence.