ABSTRACT
Every European city was part of a larger political system. In fact there was a constant give-and-take between the city and other elements of the political system. The term 'state' is unavoidable in discussing the political organization of early modern Europe, but it is not without some ambiguity. The political power of the citizens normally remained latent, but the magistrates could never completely ignore it. In fact historians are increasingly aware that much of the real political activity by ordinary citizens in the early modern town took place in the framework of organizations other than the city-wide organs of government. Most urban elites - and most rulers - took for granted that cities were part of a larger political system. Reports of public disorder or religious dissidence, rumours of political disloyalty, fears of open rebellion or concern about an impending invasion - motives like these would quickly stimulate rulers or their councillors into demanding information or action.
