Idea and Research Book

Structure of La Cosa Nostra

Each group is made up of several gangs, known as families. The number of families can range from fewer than 10 to more than 100 families. Sometimes, the emergence of a new family must be approved by the heads of other families, while in some cases a group can splinter off from another family and consolidate its power, becoming recognized as a new family over time.

The leader of each family is known as the boss or don. All major decisions are made by the boss, and money made by the family ultimately flows to him. The boss's authority is needed to resolve disputes and keeps everyone in line.

Just below the boss is the underboss. The underboss is the second in command, although the amount of power he wields can vary. Some underbosses resolve disputes without involving the boss. Some are groomed to replace the boss if he is old or in danger of going to jail.

Beneath the underboss is several capos. The number of capos varies depending on the overall size of the family. A capo acts like a lieutenant, lending his own section of the family. The capo's territory may be defined geographically or by the rackets that he operates. The key to being a successful capo is making money. The capo keeps some of the money his rackets earn and then passes the rest up to the underboss and boss.

The "dirty work" is done by the soldiers. As a soldier is the lowest rank among made men. They're part of the family, but they hold little power and make relatively little money. The number of soldiers that belong to any given capo can vary tremendously.

The Mafia will use associates. Associates are not actual members of the Mafia, but they work with Mafia soldiers and capos on various criminal enterprises. An associate is simply someone who works with the mob.

The consigliate are not supposed to be part of the family's hierarchy. He is supported to act as an advisor and make impartial decisions based on fairness rather than personal feelings on vendettas. This portion is meant to elected by the members of the family, rather than appointed by the boss. In reality, consigliate are sometimes appointed and are not "always" impractical.

Anything I should add, change, and/or delete.