Ayuntamiento

Ayuntamiento is the name given in Spain to the councils or governing bodies of towns. Sprung from the institutions of the Romans, and firmly established during the long struggles with the Moors, the ayuntamientos acquired great influence and political power, the nobility being admitted to them without their class privileges. Although this importance was gradually impaired, and under the Bourbons the last shadow of municipal freedom was lost, the remembrance of it continued to be cherished by the people. Accordingly, the cortes, in 1812, adopted the leading features of the former system. On the return of Ferdinand VII., the ayuntamientos were abolished; restored in 1823; after the invasion by France, once more set aside; and again restored in 1837. The ayuntamiento, with the alcalde as president, was appointed by the free choice of the people. The government could provisionally annul its acts, but must afterwards procure the ratification of the cortes. The ayuntamientos were empowered to make up the lists of electors and jurors, to organise the national guards, to command the police within their own bounds, to direct the apportionment and raising of taxes, and to manage the funds of the commune. Subsequently they have been more than once modified, not without opposition, especially after the events of 1843. The municipal law of 1870 deprived them of all political authority, and regulated them as administrative bodies, subject in certain respects to the authorities of the provinces, the law courts, and the cortes.