In a confederacy, which entity has more authority?

In a confederacy, the states possess more authority than the central government. This is primarily because a confederacy is structured as a union of independent states that come together for specific purposes, often delegating limited powers to the central authority. The states retain significant autonomy and control over their own affairs, maintaining sovereignty in most matters.

This contrasts with a more centralized system, such as a federal system, where the central government holds significant power and can enact laws that affect the entire nation without needing the consent of individual states. In a confederacy, the central government generally acts on behalf of its member states and relies on their cooperation to function effectively, which further emphasizes the states' authority within this structure. Thus, the notion of state sovereignty is a key characteristic of a confederate system, making it clear why the states hold more power compared to the central government.