The order was divided in three classes: 1st, 2nd and 3rd class (the highest being the 1st class).

This social order was divided into three classes.

Upon its founding in 1815 the order was divided into seven classes of merit:

As a result the order is now divided into four semi-independent groups:

The order is divided into suprafamilial groups as shown on the phylogenetic tree below.

Would the cost have been significantly higher if the order had been divided?

According to its current statutes, the order is divided into four classes:

The actual order of precedence is divided into five classes:

The order was divided into civil and military categories but these are now defunct.

The order is divided into two, or sometimes three, suborders.