A confederation is a union of independent states or regions that come together for specific purposes, such as defense or trade. Each member retains its sovereignty and has the power to govern itself, while the central authority typically has limited powers. This structure allows for cooperation among the members while respecting their individual rights. One well-known example of a confederation is the Articles of Confederation, which served as the first constitution for the United States from 1781 to 1789. It established a weak central government, leading to challenges in governance and prompting the creation of a stronger federal system under the U.S. Constitution.