What is a key characteristic of a confederation?

A key characteristic of a confederation is that it is a union of sovereign groups or states, united for purposes of common action. This definition highlights the fundamental nature of confederations: they are composed of independent entities that come together primarily to coordinate their efforts while retaining their individual sovereignty. In a confederation, the central authority is typically weak, and member states often have significant autonomy, which allows them to govern themselves. The primary focus is on collaboration for specific purposes, such as defense, trade, or foreign policy, without relinquishing ultimate authority to a central government.

This understanding of confederations distinguishes it from other forms of political organization, such as a federal system, where power is shared more equally between national and state governments. In contrast, a confederation lacks a strong central authority, making option C the most accurate description of this type of political arrangement.