federacy

Federacy is a form of government in which constituent states, known as federates, retain a significant degree of autonomy within a larger federal structure. Unlike a typical federation where states might have equal or lesser powers, in a federacy, the federate units possess substantial self-governance rights, often stemming from treaties or historical agreements. The central government's authority is typically limited to specific areas, such as defense, foreign policy, and currency, while the federates manage internal affairs like education, local law enforcement, and cultural matters.

The relationship between the federate states and the central authority is often characterized by a balance of power. Federate units may have the right to their own laws, customs, and even institutions, provided they do not conflict with the overarching federal framework. This system can arise when disparate entities agree to unite for common defense or economic benefit while preserving their distinct identities. Examples of historical or contemporary entities that have operated under a federate model, or exhibit strong federate characteristics, include certain Indigenous nations in relation to a larger state, or historical alliances where sovereign entities delegated specific powers to a common body. The precise powers retained by federate states and those delegated to the central government can vary widely depending on the specific agreement establishing the federacy.