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Confederation and Federation: A Comparison

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The main topic of the text is the transition from a confederation to a federal system in the United States, highlighting the limitations of the Articles of Confederation and the strengths of the Constitution. It discusses how the confederation model, exemplified by the Iroquois Confederacy and the European Union, influenced the U.S. but ultimately led to the adoption of a federal system to address governance challenges and ensure national unity.

Understanding Confederation in Political Systems

A confederation refers to a political system where sovereign states choose to cooperate by establishing a common central government for specific purposes, such as defense, foreign diplomacy, and trade. In this system, the central authority facilitates collaboration among the states but does not possess the power to enforce its decisions unilaterally. The member states retain their sovereignty and independence, only ceding limited powers to the central body as agreed upon in a treaty or constitution.
Historical reenactment in a colonial room with figures in 18th-century attire, deliberating around a table with quill pens and parchment.

The Articles of Confederation: America's First Governing Document

The Articles of Confederation served as the inaugural constitution for the United States, creating a loose union of sovereign states. Drafted during the Revolutionary War, this document aimed to balance the need for national coordination against the states' desire for autonomy. It granted the central government the power to conduct foreign affairs and declare war but lacked the authority to impose taxes or regulate interstate commerce, leading to significant governance challenges.

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Definition of a confederation

A political system where sovereign states cooperate under a common central government for specific purposes.

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State sovereignty in a confederation

Member states retain their independence and sovereignty, only transferring limited powers to the central authority.

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Purpose of central government in a confederation

Facilitates cooperation in defense, foreign diplomacy, and trade, without unilateral enforcement power.

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