What is the confederation, its pros and cons

What is a "confederation" in the standard sense of the word? It is an alliance of independent sovereign states that unite to achieve positive political or economic successes in the international arena. Unified authorities are created, but their powers do not apply to citizens.

Confederation - what is it?

What does "confederation" mean? This is a union of independent countries, which is formed to realize important common goals. According to political scientists, it is a question of the form of interaction of powers, and not about the form of state structure, since sovereignty extends to the whole territory. Decisions on general issues may not be effective in all countries, only aspects of defense and foreign policy are mandatory. Participating countries retain:

Confederation symbol

At the mention of this term, the Confederation of the USA immediately comes to mind, this type of state appeared in 1777, when the Americans fought with the English colonizers. For greater effectiveness, a single union was created. The main symbol of the confederation is the flag: on the red background is the blue Andreevsky cross with white edging and stars. The fact that the flag of the Confederation was originally different was already proved: the red and white stripes with 7 stars in a circle. Later, he changed the background, and the number of asterisks increased to 13 - by the number of states that fought for independence.

For many years this banner could be seen during events that took place in the southern states of America, near the houses of citizens, along with the state flag. For the southerners, he was a symbol of the struggle for freedom, a historical value. Although most Americans perceive the banner of the confederation, as a symbol of the opposition, created in opposition to the official banner.

How does the confederation differ from the federation?

Political scientists note that the difference between the federation and the confederation is in the scheme of organization of power and the size of each territory. The FIFA Confederation has 209 national federations, of which 185 are members of the UN. Federation - a device in which the participants are independent, while retaining some powers. The essence of the confederation is that independent powers unite and together solve important problems.

The most significant differences between these forms are:

  1. Participants in the federation redirect sovereignty to central government, while confederations save it.
  2. The Federation has regional and national levels. The members of the confederation retain each of their governance structures.
  3. The federation has administrative units, the confederation has independent states.
  4. Members of the confederation have the right to withdraw from the association when they want, and in the federation - no.
  5. In a confederation decisions are determined by joint efforts.
  6. The state can enter into several confederations, but the federation has only one.

Confederation - signs

Each system has its own characteristic features, which enable states to make a choice in determining the forms of government. There are such basic principles of confederation:

  1. Untrusted control center.
  2. There is no common system of economics, politics and law.
  3. Lack of independence over the territories and a unified system of laws.
  4. Members remain independent.

Confederation - the pros and cons

Confederation in the world relies on the experience of such first allied associations as the United States in the beginning of formation and the Swiss cantons, they were manifested in the 18th century. Historians call the first union union Rzeczpospolita, formed in the 16th century, when the Polish Kingdom and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania converged. Although the confederation is considered the most democratic manifestation, experts in the field of law say that there are more negative moments in it than positive ones. Plus, only one - the privileges in the trade, which develops constantly.

And the cons of the confederal union for modern states is typed a few:

  1. In military conflicts, the members of the Union have the right only to provide assistance, while maintaining non-interference.
  2. The economic problems of one country immediately affect others.
  3. There is no single political power.

Confederation in the modern world

What is a confederation in the modern world? Power, which would fit perfectly into the scope of such a device, today does not exist. Taking into account some amendments, several entities are considered to be such. What are the confederations?

  1. Bosnia and Herzegovina . Relationships remain within the Union, but they are not marked in the law as confederative, and they can not withdraw from the composition of the Union of the country at will.
  2. The European Union . It includes 28 states, 19 of which are united by a single monetary system, making up the euro area. The overall goal is integration in the economy and politics.