In a confederal system of government, where is most of the real political power located?

Introduction / Context:
Political science distinguishes between unitary, federal, and confederal systems based on how power is distributed between central and regional authorities. While federal systems like India or the United States involve a division of powers, confederal systems place even greater emphasis on the sovereignty of the constituent units. This question checks whether you understand where real power lies in a confederal system and how it differs from a federal or unitary system.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question is about a confederal system of government.
• Options suggest that power may be with the States, with the Centre, equally shared, or with nobody.
• We assume standard definitions used in comparative politics.
• The focus is on where real sovereignty and final decision making authority reside.

Concept / Approach:
In a confederation, independent States voluntarily come together and create a loose association for limited common purposes, such as defence or trade. The central body is usually weak and depends on the member States for implementation of its decisions. Importantly, member States retain the right to withdraw and keep most of their sovereign powers. This is different from a federation, where sovereignty is divided between national and State levels, and from a unitary system, where the centre holds most authority. Therefore, in a confederal system, most real power lies with the States or constituent units, and the centre has only those powers that the States choose to grant.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that in a unitary system, the central government is supreme and can create or abolish local units.Step 2: Remember that in a federal system, sovereignty is divided between central and State governments, each operating in its own sphere.Step 3: Understand that in a confederal system, the central authority is weaker than the member States and depends on them for power and resources.Step 4: Consider historical examples, such as early United States under the Articles of Confederation or loose regional unions, where States could ignore central decisions.Step 5: Compare the options and select the one that clearly states that power lies primarily with the States or constituent units.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, think of a confederation as a treaty based association. Independent States sign an agreement to cooperate but do not create a strong new sovereign body. The centre cannot usually act directly on citizens; it has to work through State governments. States may even keep the formal right to leave the confederation. This pattern shows that sovereignty remains with the member States. Federal systems like India differ, because the Union and the States derive power from a single Constitution, and citizens owe allegiance to both levels. This contrast confirms that in a confederation, the States are the true power holders.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Primarily with the Central or national government: This describes a unitary or highly centralised federation, not a confederation.
• Equally and permanently shared between the Centre and the States in all matters: This is closer to federalism, not confederalism, and even federations rarely have perfectly equal power sharing in all areas.
• With no level of government, because confederations do not exercise power: Confederations do exercise power, but mostly through the States rather than a strong central body.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often confuse federal and confederal systems because both involve multiple levels of government. A useful way to remember the difference is to focus on sovereignty and the right to withdraw. In federations, the Union usually has its own strong powers and States may not legally secede. In confederations, the central authority is more like an agent of the member States. Remembering that confederal systems keep real power with the States will help you answer such questions correctly.

Final Answer:
In a confederal system of government, most real political power is located with the States or constituent units, which retain most of their sovereignty while the central body remains relatively weak.