This article studies power relations in the Brazilian imperial State based on an analysis of the elite that came together in the second State Council (1842-1889). The council acted as a body of councilors created after the declaration of emperor Peter II's majority and as an instrument of support to the monarchy and the exercise of its function. Were examined the origins and institutional practices of the State Council, the bases on which its political actions rested, as well as the efforts of its members in conciliating a heritage represented by the structure of a prior colonial authority, the Portuguese influence of an old administrative and political conception, and the new demands brought about by a liberal set of ideas. Through this council, this thesis investigated the Brazilian elite's State participation in the 19th century based on the reconstitution of the councilors' individual trajectories as well as the networks of their political and social relations. This investigation is complemented with an analysis of alliance and negotiation strategies that were established between these same councilors and the dominant sectors of the country during the "Segundo Reinado".
Elites; Imperial State; State Council; Networks.