The Republican Constitution of Ragusa was strictly
aristocratic. The Republic was also a staunch opponent of the
Eastern Orthodox Church and only Roman Catholics could acquire Ragusan
citizenship.
Speculum Maioris Consilii Rectores, lists all the persons that were involved in the Republic's government between September 1440 to June 1860, were from "old patrician" families: Gozze, Bona, Caboga, Cerva, Ghetaldi, Giorgi, Gradi, Pozza, Saraca, Sorgo, and Zamanya. In the 17th century, 50% of the dukes and senators were from the following families: Bunić, Gundulić, Gučetić, Menčetić, Sorkočević. So we can see, the leading families were italians and croatians.