confederation

IPA

Dictionary definition of confederation

A voluntary association or alliance of independent states, regions, or organizations that come together for a common purpose.
"A confederation of small businesses was formed to lobby against regulatory changes."

Detailed meaning of confederation

It involves a cooperative arrangement where the constituent members retain their sovereignty and autonomy while delegating specific powers to a central body. A confederation is typically formed to promote mutual defense, economic cooperation, or the coordination of shared interests. Unlike a federation, a confederation tends to have a weaker central authority, with more significant decision-making powers resting with the individual members. The confederation facilitates collaboration and collective action among its participants, providing a framework for joint decision-making, resource sharing, and resolving common challenges. Examples of confederations include historical entities such as the Swiss Confederation and the Confederate States of America, as well as contemporary organizations like the Confederation of African Football. The concept of a confederation embodies the principle of unity through cooperation while preserving the distinct identities and autonomy of its member entities.

Example sentences containing confederation

1. The confederation was established to promote trade among the member states.
2. Canada became a confederation on July 1, 1867.
3. The Iroquois Confederation was a powerful alliance of six Native American tribes.
4. Switzerland is officially known as the Swiss Confederation.
5. The confederation met annually to discuss common goals and objectives.
6. The football team won the Confederation Cup for the first time in its history.

History and etymology of confederation

The noun 'confederation' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'confoederatio,' which combines 'con-' meaning 'together' and 'foederatio' meaning 'league' or 'alliance.' This etymology aptly captures the essence of a 'confederation' as a union of independent states, regions, or organizations that come together voluntarily for a common purpose, forming a collective alliance. It implies the idea of strength in unity, where entities join together for mutual benefit or shared goals. The term 'confederation' retains its etymological connection to the concept of forming a cooperative alliance, emphasizing the cooperative and collaborative nature of such associations among independent entities.

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Further usage examples of confederation

1. The Articles of Confederation were the first governing document of the United States.
2. The pirates formed a confederation to better organize their raids on the high seas.
3. Some European nations were part of a confederation before the European Union was established.
4. The Southern states formed the Confederate States of America, a confederation that seceded from the Union.
5. The delegates from each city formed a confederation to address regional environmental issues.
6. In the Middle Ages, several German states were part of the Holy Roman Empire, a loose confederation.
7. The confederation of environmental groups pressed the government for stricter pollution controls.
8. She joined the Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs to expand her network and grow her business.
9. The confederation of nations worked together for peace.
10. The sports confederation organized the international tournament.
11. The trade confederation negotiated favorable deals.
12. The cultural confederation celebrated diversity.
13. The confederation promoted economic cooperation.
14. The political confederation aimed for unity.
15. The student confederation addressed campus issues.
16. The confederation's goals included shared resources.
17. The regional confederation discussed shared challenges.
18. The historical confederation fought for independence.
19. The environmental confederation advocated for conservation.
20. The labor confederation fought for workers' rights.
21. The confederation of tribes protected their ancestral lands.
22. The confederation's leaders worked to strengthen ties.
23. The technology confederation fostered innovation.
24. The educational confederation supported teachers.
25. The religious confederation promoted interfaith dialogue.
26. The confederation of artists showcased diverse talents.
27. The humanitarian confederation aided disaster victims.
28. The confederation's constitution outlined its principles.