Federation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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federation
[หfษdษหreษชสษn ]
Definitions
politics
A group of states with a central government but independence in internal affairs.
Synonyms
alliance, confederation, union.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
|
Examples of usage
- The European Union is a federation of countries.
- Canada is a federation with provinces and territories.
sports
A group of teams or clubs that compete together in a league or tournament.
Synonyms
association, league, organization.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| 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.
|
| 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.
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| 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.
|
| 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.
|
Examples of usage
- The football federation organized the tournament.
- The national federation governs the sport.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
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.
Origin of 'federation'
The word 'federation' comes from the Latin word 'foederatio', which means 'a league or pact'. It has been used throughout history to describe political entities that consist of smaller units or states united under a central authority. The concept of federation has been important in the development of various countries and organizations, promoting cooperation and unity among diverse groups.