Which description best defines a Confederation?

A confederation is defined as a union of sovereign states or groups, where each member retains its independence and authority while delegating certain powers to a central governing body. This arrangement allows for a level of cooperation among the members while preserving their individual autonomy.

In a confederation, the central authority typically has limited powers, often focused on areas of mutual interest such as defense, foreign affairs, or trade. However, significant decision-making authority generally remains with the member states, which can choose to opt-out of decisions made at the confederate level. Historical examples of confederations include the Confederation of the Rhine and the Swiss Confederation.

In summary, a confederation is characterized by the voluntary association of independent entities that agree to work together while maintaining their sovereignty.