This paper presents an overview in relation to the background and origin of territorial decentralization and municipal administration in the Dominican Republic, from the beginning of republican life in 1844, to date; It also offers an overview of the legal, institutional and management evolution of local governments, as well as the various factors that have impacted and impact on this evolution, such as the political and institutional development of the country, historical disadvantages, regulatory reforms, institutional reform and modernization processes, democracy, governance, local participation, gender policy, planning and budgeting, participatory budgeting, public policies in the territory, among other topics of interest. All this, with the intention that the essay not only serves to expose the Dominican case, but also to consider parameters that contribute to comparative analysis in relation to the most relevant aspects, and, why not, for the exchange of experiences and good practices.