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A confederation in [[modern]] [[political]] terms is a permanent [[union]] of [[sovereign]] [[states]] for common [[action]] in relation to other states. Usually created by [[treaty]] but often later adopting a common [[constitution]], confederations tend to be [[established]] for dealing with critical issues such as [[defense]], foreign affairs or a common [[currency]], with the central [[government]] being required to provide support for all members.

A confederation in [[modern]] [[political]] terms is a permanent [[union]] of [[sovereign]] [[states]] for common [[action]] in relation to other states. Usually created by [[treaty]] but often later adopting a common [[constitution]], confederations tend to be [[established]] for dealing with critical issues such as [[defense]], foreign affairs or a common [[currency]], with the central [[government]] being required to provide support for all members.

The [[nature]] of the [[relationship]] among the states constituting a confederation varies considerably. Likewise, the relationship between the member [[states]], the central [[government]] and the [[distribution]] of [[powers]] among them, is highly variable. Some looser confederations are similar to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intergovernmental_organization intergovernmental organizations], while tighter confederations may resemble [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federalism federations].

The [[nature]] of the [[relationship]] among the states constituting a confederation varies considerably. Likewise, the relationship between the member [[states]], the central [[government]] and the [[distribution]] of [[powers]] among them, is highly variable. Some looser confederations are similar to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intergovernmental_organization intergovernmental organizations], while tighter confederations may resemble [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federalism federations].

In a non-political [[context]], confederation is used to describe a [[type]] of [[organization]] which consolidates [[authority]] from other semi-[[autonomous]] bodies. Examples include sports confederations or confederations of Pan-European trades unions.

In a non-political [[context]], confederation is used to describe a [[type]] of [[organization]] which consolidates [[authority]] from other semi-[[autonomous]] bodies. Examples include sports confederations or confederations of Pan-European trades unions.

In Canada, the word confederation has an additional, unrelated meaning.[2] It refers to the [[process]] of (or the event of) [[establishing]] a federation. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Confederation Canadian Confederation] generally refers to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_Act,_1867 Constitution Act, 1867] which initially united three colonies of British North America (Province of Canada, Province of New Brunswick and Province of Nova Scotia), and to the subsequent incorporation of other colonies and territories; Canada, however, is a federation and not a confederation, since it is a [[sovereign]] nation-[[state]].

In Canada, the word confederation has an additional, unrelated meaning.[2] It refers to the [[process]] of (or the event of) [[establishing]] a federation. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Confederation Canadian Confederation] generally refers to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_Act,_1867 Constitution Act, 1867] which initially united three colonies of British North America (Province of Canada, Province of New Brunswick and Province of Nova Scotia), and to the subsequent incorporation of other colonies and territories; Canada, however, is a federation and not a confederation, since it is a [[sovereign]] nation-[[state]].

==See also==

==See also==

*'''''[[Federation]]'''''

*'''''[[Federation]]'''''

[[Category: Political Science]]

[[Category: Political Science]]