A feature of a confederal state is that _______

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for a feature of a confederal state (a confederation).

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

• The member units retain their sovereignty.
• The central authority is weak and depends on the units for its powers and funding.
• The central government's decisions often need approval from the units.
• Because the units are sovereign, they can withdraw (secede) from the union freely.
• Examples: the Commonwealth of Independent States, the early United States under the Articles of Confederation (1781-1789), and the European Union (in some respects).

Step 3: Evaluate each option

• A. It is a single sovereign state. Wrong. This describes a unitary state. In a confederation, sovereignty rests with the individual units.
• B. Its constitution is flexible. Wrong. Flexibility of the constitution is not the defining feature of a confederation. Federal and confederal arrangements are usually associated with written constitutions or treaties, and flexibility is not what distinguishes them.
• C. Any unit can secede at will. Correct. Since the units are sovereign, they can leave the union whenever they choose.
• D. Its powers are distributed equally between the centre and units. Wrong. This is closer to a federal system, where powers are divided between the centre and the units. In a confederation, the powers lie mainly with the units.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is C.

Step 5: Exam tip Remember the difference with this memory aid:

• Federation = powers shared between the centre and the units.
• Confederation = powers kept by the units, so they can leave (secede).
• Unitary = powers concentrated at the centre.

When you see "secede" or "weak centre" in a question, think confederation.