In just thirty years, Spain has evolved from a state with a highly centralised territorial model to a multi-layered state that consists of the national government, the autonomous communities and local government. This state structure founded upon autonomous communities was established in 1978. Certain elements may be in need of adaptation to reflect the historical, political and economic evolution that Spain has undergone since then (including alterations in matters such as the definition of autonomous communities’ powers and changes in how they are financed, and the institutional design of local government). However, some instruments within this state system have proven themselves effective in the process of decentralisation.