Probably a lot more stuff to add, but this is good for now.

Power Structure

Federation

A federation is a political system in which semi-autonomous self governing administrative polities form a union under a federal government while retaining constitutionally protected powers of self-rule. Authority is formally divided between the federal government and the constituent members, with neither level legally subordinate to the other within its assigned domains.

In a federation, the central government typically controls matters such as foreign policy, defense, currency, and interregional trade, while member states govern internal affairs like local law, education, taxation, and culture. This division of powers is usually entrenched in a founding charter or constitution and cannot be unilaterally altered by either side.

Some reasons why a federation might be formed are to better govern large territories and diverse population groups by allowing autonomy.

An example is the United States after the adoption of the constitution.

Confederation

Similar to a federation, yet a confederation has a much weaker central authority. While the confederation might govern matters of foreign policy, currency, and defence. Typically, constituent states have the right to seceede and are considered sovereign.

An example of a confederation is the United States under the articles of confederation.

Unitary State

In a unitary state, all sovereign authority is centralized in a single national government. Any administrative divisions such as provinces, prefectures, or sectors exercise power only through delegation from the central government and remain legally subordinate to it.

In a unitary state, the central government may grant varying degrees of local autonomy, but these powers can be modified, revoked, or overridden at the central government’s discretion. Ultimate authority over legislation, taxation, defense, and foreign relations rests with the state rather than with regional governments.

Unitary systems are often favored in societies that prioritize political uniformity, strong central identity, rapid decision-making, or historical continuity. They are especially common in states with long-established institutions, dominant core regions, or ruling elites that seek to prevent regional fragmentation.