Confederation

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A confederation is a group of empowered states or communities, usually created by treaty but often later adopting a common constitution. Confederations tend to be established for dealing with critical issues, such as defense, foreign affairs, foreign trade, and a common currency, with the central government being required to provide support for all members. A confederation, in modern political terms, is usually limited to a permanent union of sovereign states for common action in relation to other states.[1]

The nature of the relationship between the entities constituting a confederation varies considerably. Likewise, the relationship between the member states and the central government, and the distribution of powers among them, is highly variable. Some looser confederations are similar to international organizations, while tighter confederations may resemble federations.

In a non-political context, confederation is used to describe a type of organization which consolidates authority from other semi-autonomous bodies. Examples include sports confederations or confederations of Pan-European trades unions.

The noun confederation refers to the process of (or the event of) confederating; i.e., establishing a confederation (or by extension a federation). In Canada, Confederation generally refers to the British North America Act, 1867 which initially united four colonies of British North America (Province of Upper Canada, Province of Lower Canada, Province of New Brunswick and Province of Nova Scotia), and to the subsequent incorporation of other colonies and territories. Despite this use of the word "confederation", Canada is a federal state.

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Confederation Day (like Federation Day in federations) is frequently a holiday in confederations, equivalent to the United States' Independence Day for any entity that achieved statehood as such. This is often renamed or colloquially celebrated under a different name.

In Canada, the French-language term for the national anniversary used to be Le Jour de la Confédération but is now Fête du Canada, literally 'Celebration of Canada'.[2] In English it was called first Dominion Day, then Canada Day, but never "Confederation Day".

Note that historical confederations, especially those predating the 20th century, may not fit the current definition of a confederation, may be proclaimed as a federation but be confederal, and may show some qualities that are today recognized as those of a federation.

Some have more characteristics of a personal union, but they are still listed here because of their own self-styling.

  1. ^ Oxford English Dictionary
  2. ^ Loi instituant des jours de fête légale. Retrieved on 2006-07-02.

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