Theory question 102
Federal, Unitary and Confederal SystemsSection A (answer four questions in all, two from each section)
(a) What is a confederation?
(b) Highlight the problems that are likely to arise in a confederal state.
Show the model answer
(a) A loose union of sovereign states that set up a weak central authority for limited common purposes, while the member states keep their sovereignty and can withdraw (e.g. Senegambia 1982-89)
(b) Weak central government that depends on member states for funds and troops
Secession: members can easily leave, making the union unstable
Decisions of the centre are hard to enforce
Citizens' loyalty is to their own state, not the union
Conflicts among members over policies
Lack of a common foreign policy, army or currency
Domination fears by smaller members
Define clearly and give an example before listing problems.