merits &demerits of confederal government

http://www.primohistory.com/Standard%2012.9.3%20Federal%20Confederal%20unitary%20Systems%20of%20Government.pdf

http://www.tasctest.com/blog.html#ufh-i-46796134-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-3-government-systems-tasc-test

List five merits of con federal system of government

A confederal government, also known as a confederation, is a political system where multiple sovereign states come together to form a union while retaining their individual sovereignty. In this system, the central government has limited powers, and most authority lies with the individual states. Here are the merits and demerits of a confederal government:

Merits:
1. Sovereignty: Confederal governments promote and protect the sovereignty of individual states. Each state has the right to make decisions on matters that directly affect their citizens, such as taxation, laws, and policies.
2. Cooperation: Confederal governments allow states to cooperate and work together on common interests, such as defense, trade, or infrastructure. States can pool their resources and expertise to address issues collectively while maintaining their autonomy.
3. Diversity: Due to the high level of autonomy, confederal governments allow individual states to maintain their unique identities, cultural heritage, and governing systems. This diversity can foster innovation, experimentation, and respect for different perspectives.

Demerits:
1. Weak central authority: Perhaps the most significant drawback of a confederal government is the weak central authority. The central government often lacks the power to enforce its decisions or resolve disputes between states effectively. This can lead to conflicts and a lack of unified action in addressing national issues.
2. Coordination challenges: Confederal governments require effective coordination and cooperation among member states. Lack of coordination can hinder responses to national problems or crises, such as economic recessions or security threats.
3. Inequality among states: In some cases, confederations can lead to disparities among states, particularly if some are economically or politically stronger than others. This can create an imbalance of power and influence, potentially leading to tensions or conflicts between states.

To understand the merits and demerits further, it is essential to study real-world examples of confederal governments, such as the European Union or the former Articles of Confederation in the United States. By analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, one can gain a better understanding of the dynamics and challenges of confederal systems.