This article is the result of a study that has a qualitative approach, that addressed the bibliographic analysis on decentralization in Colombia, through a historical-documentary analysis. Therefore, this study is developed from a historical context that has repercussions on the the political and economic events that took place in each period. In addition, the relationship between decentralization and the autonomy of territorial entities is discussed. The historical evidence up to the present reflects a precarious normative for the allocation of functions and resources. In effect, decentralization should be intertwined with the autonomy of the territories, leading to a constitutional restructuring accompanied by training on self-government. At the end, the diverse realities of local governments are covered from decentralization.