 The chief magistracies of the state had become almost the patrimony of a few distinguished families whose wealth corresponded to their upper-class birth.Popular by acts of graceful but corrupting generosity, by charming manners, and by the appeal of hereditary honours, they collected the material power granted by a multitude of clients and followers, as well as the intellectual power provided by their monopoly on philosophical education, by their taste in the fine arts, and by their knowledge of stylish literature.Nevertheless, the reaction to them was strong.