Confederation

Confederation refers to an association of independent states or governments that come together for specific purposes, typically related to mutual benefit, defense, or trade. Each member retains its sovereignty and autonomy while agreeing to cooperate on certain issues. A well-known example is Canada's Confederation in 1867, when several provinces united under a federal government but maintained control over their local affairs. Confederations can help smaller entities have a stronger collective voice and increased resources while preserving their individual identities.