Cameralism is an economic current focused on the administrative management of a territory in order to achieve stimuli for its economic growth, being considered as the basis of the current state administrative management.
Since its origin as a theory of mercantilist nature, cameralism has brought together economic and political practices aimed at the administrative management of states. In this way it has led to the development of an economic and political model that serves to stimulate the creation of wealth.
The doctrine of cameralism and its corresponding school of thought were rapidly predominant since its birth in Germany and Austria. After its development in the last three centuries, the conception of the cameralist model of the State implies that a practical vision of the State prevails and based on constitutional laws.
It is an academic doctrine under study in the economic theory and basis of the model of administration of public finances and areas of state power today.
The academic vision currently held mainly focuses on understanding cameralism as the study of public administration and management, from an economic and theoretical point of view. In other words, it is the science of administration.
Historical framework of cameralism
The origin and predominance of this economic discipline took place between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in Germany during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, highlighting its name in German ( Kammer ) and with a view to the importance of camera management.
During this period of time the structure of the German state was adapted to the cameralist principles and schemes, in the same way as the management and administration of the public finances of said territory.
Although its birth is included in an absolutist period of German history, with the passing of the years and the appearance in Europe of the Enlightenment its concept evolved towards a more cameral model, precisely, and aimed at the greater welfare of society as a whole .
Historical importance of the cameralist movement
Cameralism is considered and economically and historically as a precursor phenomenon or model of modern public administration, especially in the West.
In the same field, the development of the concept of public official managing public funds was already configured within this movement and as a key piece of the gear of a state management and administration system.
With the development over time of different economic movements and new political and social perceptions this concept has been mutating, especially from the point of view of the greater or lesser intervention of the state , capitalism or socialism .
