Balancing the Leviathan: Business and politics economy in government quadros

Abstract

This article examines the Brazilian entrepreneurs' attitudes towards the economic policy of Jânio Quadros' government. The analysis concentrates on the São Paulo ́s associations of industrial, commercial and agricultural employers. It is argued that these groups played an important role in shaping economic policies, in particular those related to the exchange rate, credit and antitrust legislation. The evidences gathered in this article bring new light on the management of economic policy during a critical period of Brazilian history.