The word "federation" is spelled as fɛdəˈreɪʃən. The first syllable is pronounced as "fed" with the short "e" sound, followed by "uh" and "ray" with a long "a" sound. The second syllable is pronounced as "shun" with the short "i" sound. The IPA phonetic transcription helps to understand the pronunciation of each syllable in the word. Federation is a term used to describe a union of states, countries or organizations with a central authority.
A federation is a form of government that is characterized by the division of power between a central authority and multiple regional or constituent states. It is a political system in which the member states retain their sovereignty and independence, while also delegating some powers to the central government. The central authority in a federation acts as a binding force, bringing together the member states and representing them on the international stage.
In a federation, the central government is responsible for handling and coordinating certain common affairs, such as defense, foreign relations, and trade. However, the member states still maintain control over their internal affairs, including law enforcement, education, and taxation. The division of powers is usually enshrined in a written constitution that outlines the specific powers and responsibilities of the central government and the member states.
Federations are often established in countries with diverse populations, multiple ethnic or cultural groups, or distinct regional interests. By allowing member states a degree of autonomy while promoting cooperation and unity at the national level, federations aim to strike a balance between centralized authority and local autonomy. They provide a mechanism for different groups to come together and collectively address common challenges and interests while still preserving their unique identities.
Notable examples of federations include the United States, Australia, Canada, Germany, and Switzerland. These countries all have a federal system of government that enables them to govern effectively while accommodating regional differences and ensuring the representation of diverse perspectives and interests.
A league; a union for purposes of government.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word federation comes from the Latin word foederatio, meaning a league or alliance. It is derived from the verb foederare, which means to unite or to join in treaty. The Latin term has its roots in the noun foedus, meaning treaty or covenant. Ultimately, the word can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root *bheidh-, which means to trust or to conceal.