Confederation vs. Federation — What's the Difference?

A group formed for mutual purposes.

An organization with groups that have common interests.

A temporary alliance of political units.

A union formed on constitutional grounds.

An association of sovereign states.

A union of states under a central government.

An organization that consists of a number of parties or groups.

A system of government in which states share power with a national government.

A union with limited central authority.

A federation (also known as a federal state) is a political entity characterized by a union of partially self-governing provinces, states, or other regions under a central federal government (federalism). In a federation, the self-governing status of the component states, as well as the division of power between them and the central government, is typically constitutionally entrenched and may not be altered by a unilateral decision of either party, the states or the federal political body.

A confederation (also known as a confederacy or league) is a union of sovereign groups or states united for purposes of common action. Usually created by a treaty, confederations of states tend to be established for dealing with critical issues, such as defense, foreign relations, internal trade or currency, with the central government being required to provide support for all its members.

The act of federating, especially a joining together of states into a league or federal union.

The act of forming into or becoming part of a confederacy.

A league or association formed by federating, especially a government or political body established through federal union.

The state of being confederated.

Act of joining together into a single political entity.

A group of confederates, especially of states or nations, united for a common purpose; a league.

Array of nations or states that are unified under one central authority which is elected by its members.

The union of the British North American colonies of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the Province of Canada, brought about July 1, 1867, under the name Dominion of Canada.

Any society or organisation formed from separate groups or bodies.

Federal union of all the Canadian provinces and territories.

A collection of network or telecommunication providers that offer interoperability.

A union or alliance of states or political organizations.

(Australia) Of an architectural style popular around the time of federation.

The act of forming an alliance.

The act of uniting in a league; confederation.

The act of confederating; a league; a compact for mutual support; alliance, particularly of princes, nations, or states.

A league; a confederacy; a federal or confederated government.

The parties that are confederated, considered as a unit; a confederacy.

An organization formed by merging several groups or parties

The state of being allied or confederated

A union of political organizations

A union of political organizations

The act of constituting a political unity out of a number of separate states or colonies or provinces so that each member retains the management of its internal affairs

The act of forming an alliance or confederation

A structure where the central authority holds significant power.

Yes, as historical examples like Switzerland show, a confederation can evolve into a federation.

Federations are generally more permanent, with defined legal structures.

No, a confederation is a looser association of states, while a federation is an integrated union with a central government.

The European Union has characteristics of both but is closer to a confederation as member states retain significant sovereignty.

In a federation, power is distributed between a central authority and member states, often defined by a constitution.

Confederations may have a central body or authority, but it often has limited powers granted by member states.

Nations might form a confederation for mutual benefits, defense, or alliances without ceding significant sovereignty.

While theoretically possible, it's complex due to the integrated legal structures of federations.

States in a confederation are typically bound by treaties or mutual agreements.

Federations usually offer more stability due to their legal and constitutional foundation.

Confederation allows member states to retain more of their sovereignty.

A federation's central government holds primary sovereignty, often outlined in a constitution.

States in a federation have limited sovereignty defined by the federation's constitution.

Federations typically have a more comprehensive constitution, while confederations might rely more on treaties.