Question

which description best defines a confederation?

a government in which all
citizens vote on all major
issues and the majority rules

a system in which a national
government and state
governments share power
equally

a system in which states
agree to form a national
government, but maintain
their sovereignty

a government in which there
is a single, all - powerful ruler

Explanation:

To determine the best definition of a confederation, we analyze each option:

• The first option describes direct democracy, not a confederation.
• The second option refers to a federal system (shared power between national and state governments), not a confederation.
• The third option matches the definition of a confederation, where states form a national government while retaining their sovereignty (e.g., the Articles of Confederation in U.S. history).
• The fourth option describes an autocracy (single, all - powerful ruler), not a confederation.

Answer:

The third option (the right - most option in the top row): a system in which states agree to form a national government, but maintain their sovereignty