Which form of governance is described as a union of states with a weak central authority?

• A. Federalism
• B. Confederation
• C. Unitary State
• D. Democracy

Answer: (B)

Power distribution between levels of government is being tested. A confederation is a union of states that keeps most sovereignty with the states and gives the central authority only limited, delegated powers. The central government in a confederation typically handles things like defense or foreign affairs but cannot compel states to follow its laws or tax directly; it relies on the states for resources and enforcement. This weak central authority, with strong state autonomy, is what defines a confederation. By contrast, federalism involves a central government with meaningful powers shared with states, a unitary state concentrates power at the center, and democracy describes who governs rather than how power is organized across levels of government.