The active control of structural systems arises from the need for reducing the response of a system under the influence of dynamic loads by continuous modification of the inherent characteristics of the system and the impressed excitation. The concept if implemented in practice opens up immense capabilities for the standardization of design of structural systems and their portability to differ- ing loading environments. A review of basic concepts, the analytical work done, the Experimental studies and the implementation in practice has been presented in this paper together with the problems which need to be yet overcome.