Confederalism

Confederalism is a system of government in which sovereign states or regions delegate some powers to a central authority but retain ultimate authority over their own affairs. This contrasts with a federal system where power is constitutionally divided between a central government and constituent states, with the central government typically having more power. In a confederation, the central government is usually weaker and derives its authority from the member states, not directly from the citizens. Decisions within a confederation often require unanimous consent from all member states, making it a less efficient and potentially unstable form of governance, but one which can often foster a greater sense of unity.

Confederalism meaning with examples

• The Articles of Confederation, the first government of the United States, established a weak central authority where states retained considerable autonomy. This early experiment in confederalism proved ineffective, due to the central government's inability to tax or regulate commerce efficiently, ultimately leading to the adoption of the U.S. Constitution and a federal system.
• Switzerland's historical development involved elements of confederalism, particularly in its initial formation, with autonomous cantons maintaining significant sovereignty. The central government’s roles were more limited, focusing on areas like defense and foreign policy, as each canton held authority on local affairs. This balance eventually evolved to a more federal model.
• Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, some observers suggested the creation of a confederal structure for the constituent republics. This concept, if enacted, would have allowed considerable autonomy to the former republics, but the lack of a consensus led to a federal system for the Russian Federation, where power rests with the central government.
• The European Union, while not a strict confederation, displays some confederal characteristics, as member states retain significant sovereignty and the union's authority stems from the treaties they have signed. The EU operates on the principle of subsidiarity, with decisions being taken at the European level only when they cannot be effectively decided at the national level.
• In an attempt to promote peace and cooperation, certain regional alliances adopt confederal structures. These arrangements can create a framework for collaborative action, sharing of resources, and unified approaches to shared challenges like defense or economic policy, whilst still preserving the independence of each member state.