Here are some key characteristics of a confederation:
* Limited Central Authority: The central government has limited power and authority. It mainly acts as a coordinating body for the member states.
* Delegated Powers: Member states delegate specific powers to the central government, usually for matters of common concern like defense, foreign affairs, or trade.
* Sovereign States: Member states retain their autonomy and have the power to make their own laws, govern themselves, and even withdraw from the confederation.
Examples of Confederations:
* The European Union (EU): While the EU has evolved into a more integrated system, it started as a confederation of sovereign European nations.
* The Confederate States of America (CSA): During the American Civil War, 11 Southern states formed a confederation in opposition to the federal government.
* The Articles of Confederation (1781-1789): This document formed the first government of the United States, establishing a loose confederation of states.
Contrast with a Federation:
A federation is a form of government where power is shared between a central government and regional or state governments. Unlike a confederation, the central government in a federation has significant authority over the member states. The US under its current Constitution is a federation.
In summary, a confederation is a union of sovereign states where the central government has limited powers and the member states retain significant autonomy.