LA PUESTA EN MARCHA DE LA DESCENTRALIZACIÓN Y LOS RETOS DE LA TERRITORIALIZACIÓN DE LA ACCIÓN PÚBLICA EN COLOMBIA.

This paper analyzes the implementation of the decentralization policy (empowerment of local authority) from the 1991 Constitution to 2002. It does so through the analysis of executive regulatory activity as well as congressional legislation (some fifty legal texts) and twenty two decisions of the High Courts, all of which deal substantive questions on decentralization and/or the autonomy of the territorial governments. Analysis of these decisions allows us, directly and indirectly, to interpret the challenges of territorialization of public policy action as well as changes in belief systems (referentiel). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]