Key characteristics of loose federations:
1. State Autonomy: Member states have the primary authority to make and enforce their own laws, manage their own internal affairs, and control their respective territories and resources.
2. Limited Central Power: The central or federal government has a restricted scope of authority, typically concerning matters of foreign policy, defense, trade, and currency, among a few others.
3. Constitutional Framework: A constitution outlines the powers and responsibilities of both the federal government and the member states. This document specifies the exact areas where the federal government has jurisdiction, while ensuring the autonomy of the states.
4. Dual Citizenship: Citizens of loose federations usually hold dual citizenship - one for their state and another for the federal entity.
5. Withdrawal or Secession: In some cases, member states may reserve the right to secede or withdraw from the federation under specific conditions, as permitted by the constitution.
6. State-Centric Approach: The interests and priorities of the individual states are paramount. They have a strong voice in decision-making processes and are actively involved in shaping the policies of the federal government.
7. Cooperative Decision-Making: Collaboration and consensus-building play significant roles in governance. Key decisions often require consultation, agreement, or unanimous consent from the member states.
Examples of loose federations:
1. Switzerland
2. United States of America (to some extent)
3. United Arab Emirates
4. Malaysia