CONFEDERATION Meaning and
Definition
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A confederation is a form of government or political system wherein several autonomous states or regions unite to form a loose association or alliance, while maintaining a significant degree of independence and sovereignty. It is characterized by a voluntary agreement between these distinct entities that choose to cooperate for a common purpose, such as defense, trade, or political cooperation, while retaining their individual identities.
In a confederation, the participating states or regions exercise a substantial level of authority and decision-making power, which often includes managing their own internal affairs and laws. The central coordinating authority or confederal government is usually limited in its scope and power, typically restricted to overseeing agreed-upon collective concerns or issues that require joint action.
The confederal government does not possess direct authority over the constituent states or regions, but acts as a facilitator, mediator, and coordinator among them. Decision-making in a confederation is typically achieved through intergovernmental consensus, requiring the consent and agreement of all participating entities.
Historically, confederations have often emerged as an alternative to more centralized forms of government, promoting a balance between the autonomy of individual states or regions and the benefits of shared resources, security, or cooperation. Examples of confederations include the Swiss Confederation, the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War, and the European Union (which has elements of confederation and supranational governance).
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An agreement for mutual support; a league; an alliance.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of CONFEDERATION
The word "confederation" comes from the Latin term "confoederatio", which is derived from the verb "confoederare". "Confoederare" is a combination of two Latin words: "con", meaning "together", and "foederare", meaning "to unite" or "to form a league". The Latin term was then adopted into Old French as "confederacion" before making its way into English as "confederation" in the 15th century.
Similar spelling words for CONFEDERATION
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