Question

how are the confederation and unitary forms of government different?
the confederation system is a weak union between states, while the unitary system leaves all power with the central government.
the confederation system is a strong union between states, while the unitary system leaves all power with the central government.
the confederation system leaves all power with the central government, while the unitary system is a weak union between states.
the confederation system balances power, while the unitary system gives all power to the states.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze the characteristics of confederation and unitary government systems:

• A confederation system has a weak central government, with most power held by the member states.
• A unitary system has a strong central government that holds most of the power, with states (or other sub - national entities) having limited power.

Now let's analyze each option:

• Option 1: "The confederation system is a weak union between states, while the unitary system leaves all power with the central government." This matches the definitions of the two systems.
• Option 2: A confederation is not a strong union (it's weak), and a unitary system does not leave power with states. So this option is incorrect.
• Option 3: In a confederation, power is with the states (not the central government), and a unitary system is not a weak union. So this option is incorrect.
• Option 4: A confederation does not balance power (it has a weak central government and strong states), and a unitary system does not give all power to the states (it gives power to the central government). So this option is incorrect.

Answer:

A. The confederation system is a weak union between states, while the unitary system leaves all power with the central government.