What is the definition of a confederacy?

A confederacy is defined as an alliance or union of states or people that come together for a common purpose, often while maintaining their individual sovereignty and independence. This form of government emphasizes decentralized power, with the constituent units (such as states or provinces) retaining a significant degree of control over their own affairs.

Historically, confederacies have been formed to address collective interests like defense, trade, or political coordination without the imposition of a strong central authority. Notable examples include the Articles of Confederation, which governed the United States before the current Constitution, and the Confederacy during the American Civil War.

The other options represent different governance structures. A strong centralized government would indicate a unitary state where the national government holds the majority of power. A single sovereign entity refers to a situation where one governing body has ultimate authority, which contrasts sharply with the decentralized nature of a confederacy. A faction within a political party pertains to divisions or groups within a political organization, not a system of governance. Therefore, the definition best aligned with a confederacy is indeed that of an alliance or union of states or people.