A confederal system of governance is characterised by

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the main characteristic of a confederal system of government.

Step 2: Explain the concept A confederation is a loose union of sovereign states or regions that come together for specific common purposes, such as defence, trade or foreign policy. Its key features are:

• The member states keep their sovereignty and independence.
• The central authority is weak and depends on the member units for powers and resources.
• The central body usually cannot make laws that bind citizens directly. It acts through the member states.
• Member states can often withdraw from the union.

Examples include the Commonwealth of Independent States and the early United States under the Articles of Confederation (1781-1789). Senegambia (Senegal and The Gambia, 1982-1989) is a West African example.

Step 3: Evaluate each option

• A. Strong central authority: Wrong. This describes a unitary system, and to a lesser degree a federal one. In a confederation the centre is weak.
• B. Independent regional governments: Correct. The member units keep their sovereignty and hold the real power.
• C. Unitary state control: Wrong. In a unitary state, power is concentrated in one central government, which is the opposite of a confederation.
• D. Direct democracy: Wrong. This is a way citizens take part in decision-making, not a way of dividing power between levels of government.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is B. Independent regional governments.

Step 5: Exam tip Remember "Confederation = Constituent units are Champions". In a confederation the units hold the power. In a unitary system the centre does. In a federation, power is shared. If you see "weak centre" or "sovereign member states", think confederation.