⊿ Point. {R} Glossary. ◢ Keyword: F. ▰ Sources. 〓 Books [B] ◥ University. {q} PhD. ⏫ THEMES. ⏫ Big Data. [B] Big Data. ⚫ USA. ↂ EndNote. ☝️ BD Dummies. Federation. A union of partially self-governing states or territories united by a central government that exercises power over them Federal states No government The pathway of regional integration or separation A federation (also known as a federal state) is a political entity characterized by a union of partially self-governing provinces, states, or other regions under a central federal government (federalism).
In a federation, the self-governing status of the component states, as well as the division of power between them and the central government, is typically constitutionally entrenched and may not be altered by a unilateral decision of either party, the states or the federal political body. It is often argued that federal states where the central government has overriding powers, are not truly federal states. The governmental or constitutional structure found in a federation is considered to be federalist, or to be an example of federalism. Federations and other forms of state[edit] Empire[edit]