What term describes a loose association of states?

What term describes a loose association of states?

• A. Confederation
• B. Federal
• C. Monarchy
• D. Republic

Answer: (A)

A loose association of states is described as a confederation. In a confederation, each state keeps most of its own authority and grants only limited powers to a central government, which is intentionally weak and cannot quickly force states to follow its laws. This setup emphasizes sovereignty of the member states while sharing some functions like defense or diplomacy. Historically, the United States operated under the Articles of Confederation, where the central government had little real power, and states retained most sovereignty. In contrast, a federal system divides power between national and state governments but the central authority has stronger powers to govern across the whole country. A monarchy involves rule by a king or queen, not a loose alliance of states, and a republic centers on government by elected representatives and the consent of the governed.

A loose association of states is described as a confederation. In a confederation, each state keeps most of its own authority and grants only limited powers to a central government, which is intentionally weak and cannot quickly force states to follow its laws. This setup emphasizes sovereignty of the member states while sharing some functions like defense or diplomacy. Historically, the United States operated under the Articles of Confederation, where the central government had little real power, and states retained most sovereignty. In contrast, a federal system divides power between national and state governments but the central authority has stronger powers to govern across the whole country. A monarchy involves rule by a king or queen, not a loose alliance of states, and a republic centers on government by elected representatives and the consent of the governed.