This article aims to show the influence of caciquism on the creation and functioning of public schools as well as its effect on the professional performance of teachers. We have used the model developed by Abram de Swaan, who suggested that three social sectors be distinguished to analyse the attitudes that spark the dissemination of literacy: the metropolitan elite; local dignitaries; and regional communities. Here, we describe and attempt to explain the uncooperative attitude of the local dignitaries or "caciques" towards public schools. The third section deals with the control of the educational administration by caciquism and the private profit that some of these local figures reaped from the budgets assigned to the public schools. Lastly, we will present examples of how the local authorities favoured schoolteachers who were political patrons of theirs and persecuted those who belonged to the opposition.