Legal Definitions - confederation

A confederation is a union or league of states or nations, where each member retains its sovereignty but also delegates some rights and powers to a central authority. The United States was first organized under the Articles of Confederation, which established a weak central government with limited powers.

For example, the European Union is a confederation of 27 member states that cooperate on various issues such as trade, security, and environmental protection, while still maintaining their own governments and decision-making powers.

A confederation can also refer to an alliance or conspiracy, often used in a negative sense.

Overall, a confederation aims to secure a common good, whether it's mutual protection against powerful neighbors or internal benefits such as commerce and community of justice through common institutions.