The Limits of Napoleonic Centralization: Notables and Local Government in the Department of the Isere from the Consulate to the beginning of the July Monarchy

The law of 28 Pluviôse VIII (17 February 1800), whichinstalled a new administrative regime in France, appeared toestablish an extremely centralized system in which the notablesfulfilled no more than an honorific function. The Napoleonicperiod is thus regarded as the apogee of administrative centralization.On the basis of a study of the Isère from the Consulateto the July Monarchy, however, this article seeks to show thereality of elite participation in local affairs, the existenceof a ‘système des notables’ from the timeof Napoleon onwards, and the fundamental continuity in thisrespect with succeeding regimes. The notables did not hesitateto lobby the government in order to defend the interests ofthe department when this was necessary. They also played anessential role in the conduct of local administration and exerciseda decisive influence over the choice of local officials beforethe advent of elections in the 1830s.