Political and Fiscal Decentralization and Centralization. A Pendulum Explained by Power Relations among Elites: The Colombian Case

Abstract

The present investigation contains a frame of reference to explain a territory's political and fiscal decentralization levels, which depends on the balance of power relations among elites, society, and context. This dynamic balance results in state structures with pendulum oscillation throughout its history; that is, power fluctuates between the central and territorial levels. I explain the Colombian case by examining the history and identifying the pendulum moves with the rhythm of power relations among elites. For primary sources, I use the constitutions promulgated in Colombia, the fiscal, political, and territorial regulations, the official gazettes of the Constituent Assembly of 1991, and Legislative Acts 01 of 2001; 04 of 2007.