What is a Federation?

Federation refers to a political entity comprising a group of states, provinces, or other sub-nationals that cooperate for mutual benefit, while maintaining their own independence and sovereignty. In this context, the term "federation" is often used interchangeably with "confederation."

A federation differs from a unitary state, where power is concentrated at the central government level, and sub-national entities have limited autonomy. Instead, in a federation, power is divided between the central government and the constituent political units, such as states or provinces. This division of power allows for a degree of self-governance at the local level, while also providing a framework for cooperation and coordination among the various political entities.

Federations are often established to achieve common goals that cannot be attained by individual states or provinces alone, such as defense, economic development, or environmental protection. They can also provide a mechanism for resolving disputes and addressing issues of common concern.

Some examples of federations include the United States, Canada, Germany, and Switzerland. In each of these cases, the federal government shares power with constituent states or provinces, while also providing a framework for cooperation and coordination at the national level.