What is a confederation?

A confederation refers to a union of sovereign states that come together to achieve common goals while retaining their individual authority and independence. In this political system, member states agree to cooperate on certain issues, such as defense or trade, but they do not relinquish their sovereignty to a central authority. This arrangement allows the member states to maintain a high degree of autonomy while still collaborating for mutual benefit.

The other options do not accurately represent the concept of a confederation. The first option describes a direct democracy, where citizens have a direct say in policymaking. The third option indicates a unitary system, typically characterized by a strong central government where power is concentrated in one individual or governing body. The fourth option mentions a majoritarian system, which focuses on majority rule rather than the balance of power between independent states, as found in a confederation. Thus, the second choice encapsulates the essence of a confederation by highlighting the collaboration of independent states.