What is a Confederacy?
A confederacy is a union of independent states or groups that agree to cooperate on certain issues while keeping most of their own sovereignty.
Key features
- Sovereignty preserved: member states keep control over most laws and policies.
- Limited central authority: the central government has powers delegated by member states, often for defense, trade, or common rules.
- Voluntary membership: states choose to join and can renegotiate or leave according to the terms.
- Decision-making: decisions may require consensus or supermajorities, which can slow coordination.
How it compares to a federation
In a federation, the central government has broader powers and can enforce laws over the entire population. In a confederation, the center relies on member states to carry out decisions.
Examples
- Historical: Articles of Confederation (1777–1789) in the United States
- Historical: Confederate States of America (1861–1865) during the Civil War
- Other context: Swiss Confederation, which evolved into a federal system
- Indigenous alliance: Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy
Modern notes: The European Union has some confederation-like features but is not simply a confederation or a federation; its governance is Treaty-based and unique.