This paper suggests the analysis of three key elements that determine the effectiveness of public policies from a cultural approach: bureaucracy, decentralization as a local condition, and citizens, in terms of their relationship with public policies and the effect they have on each other. To this end, we present a conceptualization of terms such as ‘governance’ and its variations, regarding the establishment of more horizontal relations in the exercise of power, with an active citizen participation, mediated by bureaucratic action, as well as sector and territorial public policies, which are very particular due to the territory.