Comparison of federalism and Confederalism. - SS1 Government Lesson Note

Federalism and confederalism are both systems of government where power is divided between a central or federal government and the individual member states or regional governments. However, there are some key differences between the two systems:

Power distribution: In a federal system, power is shared between the central government and the member states, with each having their own areas of jurisdiction. In a confederal system, power lies primarily with the individual member states, with the central government having only limited powers.

Sovereignty and autonomy: In a federal system, the member states retain some sovereignty and autonomy, but the central government has ultimate authority. In a confederal system, the member states retain a high degree of sovereignty and autonomy and the central government has limited authority.

Decision-making: In a federal system, decisions are often made through a combination of federal and state-level processes, with the federal government having the final say. In a confederal system, decisions are made through consensus or agreement among the member states.

Legal structure: In a federal system, there is a single, unified legal system that applies to all member states. In a confederal system, each member state retains its own legal system and may have different laws and regulations.

Stability and longevity: Federal systems are often more stable and long-lasting than confederal systems, which can be prone to fragmentation and dissolution.