Confederal systems of government means

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks about the defining feature of a confederal system of government, specifically how power is shared between the central authority and the component units (states or regions).

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

• The component units (member states) keep their sovereignty and hold most of the power.
• The central authority is created by the member states and depends on them for its powers and funds.
• The centre usually cannot make laws that bind individual citizens directly without the approval of the member states.
• Member states can often withdraw from the union.

Examples: the United States under the Articles of Confederation (1781-1789), Senegambia (1982-1989), and the European Union (which has some confederal features).

Compare this with other systems:

• Unitary system: a powerful centre and weak component units (option A).
• Federal system: power is shared, and each level is independent in its own sphere (closer to option C).
• Confederal system: a weak centre and powerful component units.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Describes a unitary system, so it is wrong.
• B. A weak centre with powerful component units is the confederal system, so it is correct.
• C. Describes a balanced or federal-type arrangement, so it is wrong.
• D. Weak units and a weak centre does not describe any standard system, so it is wrong.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is B. weak centre and powerful component units.

Tip: Think "CONfederation = COmponent units are the ONes in charge." Also remember: Unitary = strong centre, Confederal = strong units, Federal = shared power.