The three types of power distribution, that structure decentralization in South America

Abstract In research about state and public administration, it is common to perform an analysis of its structure, function, form and type. However, on some occasions, these general categories do not reveal the distribution of attributions or real power in their different territorial levels. This report, through a historical-institutional review of the last 50 years in South American countries, proposes the existence of characteristic power structures that remain in time with gradual changes that maintains the essence of its historical origin and, others that are formed as a result of disruptive changes that modify the dominant paradigms. The existence of these structures shows three characteristic types that are called compound, integrated and simple.