In a confederation, each component unit is

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks about the status of each component unit (state or member) in a confederation.

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

• The central authority is weak and derives its power from the member units.
• Member units keep their sovereignty and retain most powers.
• The centre usually cannot make laws that bind citizens directly without the consent of the units.
• Members often have the right to withdraw (secede).
• Examples: the Confederate States of America (1861-65), the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the early United States under the Articles of Confederation. The European Union is often described as confederal in some respects.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Virtually autonomous: Correct. Units hold nearly all power and run their own affairs, with the centre existing only for limited, delegated purposes.
• B. Completely independent: Too strong. If units were completely independent, there would be no confederation at all, since they agree to some joint arrangements and cede some functions to the centre.
• C. Wholly subject to the centre: This describes a unitary system, not a confederation.
• D. Coordinate with the centre: This describes a federation, where the centre and the units are each supreme in their own constitutionally defined spheres.

Step 4: Answer The answer is A. virtually autonomous.

Tip: Remember the power flow for each system:

• Unitary: power flows from the centre down to the units.
• Federal: power is shared, so the centre and units are coordinate.
• Confederal: power sits with the units, so they are virtually autonomous.

The word "virtually" is what separates A from B, since confederal units are almost, but not absolutely, independent.