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Federation: meaning, definitions and examples

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federation

[หŒfษ›dษ™หˆreษชสƒษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

politics

A group of states with a central government but independence in internal affairs.

Synonyms

alliance, confederation, union.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
federation

Used to describe a political or organizational entity formed by smaller units (states, regions, organizations) that are united under a central authority while retaining some level of independence.

  • The United States of America is a federation consisting of 50 states
  • The Federation of Small Businesses helps small companies grow and succeed
union

Used to describe an association formed for mutual benefit, especially in a political or labor context. It indicates a stronger, more permanent integration compared to an alliance.

  • The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 European countries
  • The labor union negotiated better wages and working conditions for its members
confederation

Refers to a union of states or organizations with a weak central authority, where member entities retain most of their independence and sovereignty. This term is often used in historical or formal contexts.

  • The Swiss Confederation is made up of 26 cantons with their own governments
  • The Articles of Confederation were the first constitution of the United States, creating a loose confederation of states
alliance

Applied when separate groups, companies, or countries come together for mutual benefit or to achieve a common goal, often in a military, political, or commercial context.

  • NATO is a military alliance formed to ensure collective security
  • The two tech companies entered into a strategic alliance to develop new software

Examples of usage

  • The European Union is a federation of countries.
  • Canada is a federation with provinces and territories.
Context #2 | Noun

sports

A group of teams or clubs that compete together in a league or tournament.

Synonyms

association, league, organization.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
federation

Use this word when referring to a group of states or organizations that unite under a central authority while retaining some independence. Often used in political or sports contexts.

  • The Russian Federation consists of numerous republics and regions.
  • The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies provides worldwide humanitarian aid.
association

This term is appropriate when talking about a group of people or organizations that are united for a common purpose, usually in a professional, social, or community context.

  • She is a member of the National Education Association.
  • The local business association is hosting a community market this weekend.
league

Use 'league' when discussing a group of sports teams that compete against each other in a structured schedule, or a group of people or nations with a common goal.

  • The English Premier League is very popular around the world.
  • The League of Nations was formed after World War I to maintain peace.
organization

This is a general term used to describe an orderly group of people or entities with a particular purpose, especially a business, government body, or nonprofit group.

  • The World Health Organization coordinates international public health efforts.
  • He works for a non-profit organization that helps the homeless.

Examples of usage

  • The football federation organized the tournament.
  • The national federation governs the sport.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'federation' comes from the Latin 'foedus,' meaning 'to bind' or 'contract.'
  • The first modern federation is often considered to be the United States, formed in 1787 with a Constitution that defined its structure.
  • In 1867, Canada became a federation as provinces united to create a stronger country while retaining local governance.

Political Science

  • Federations differ from confederations, where the member states hold more power and the central authority is weaker.
  • Examples of contemporary federations include Germany, Australia, and India, showcasing varying degrees of central government control.
  • In a federation, unique regional laws can exist, allowing local governments to address specific community needs while adhering to national laws.

Pop Culture

  • Science fiction often highlights fictitious federations, such as the United Federation of Planets in 'Star Trek,' representing unity among diverse planets.
  • In the 'Star Wars' universe, the Galactic Federation illustrates the tension between central authority and member autonomy.
  • Video games like 'Civilization' often allow players to create their own federations, reflecting alliances among civilizations.

International Relations

  • International organizations like the European Union function similarly to federations, where member countries cooperate on political and economic issues.
  • Federations can enhance stability, as they combine resources and capacities of different states to respond to issues like climate change or security threats.
  • The concept of federalism is often debated in international politics, balancing local sovereignty with global governance needs.

Legal Framework

  • In federations, constitutions typically outline the distribution of powers and responsibilities between the central and regional governments.
  • Judicial systems in federations may involve both local and national courts to handle cases that span across different jurisdictions.
  • Legal disputes over power distribution can lead to significant Supreme Court rulings that shape the relationship between state and federal authorities.

Translations

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Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,018, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.