Scholars will debate whether the uprising against Balmaceda was mainly a fight over political or economic privileges, but the bulk of research will support the primacy of political over economic issues.

From the 1830s to the 1880s, Congress has gradually asserted more and more authority over the budget and over cabinet ministers.

Balmaceda tries to circumvent this budgetary power and break the hold of congressmen and local bosses on congressional elections.