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Weak Central Government

Definition

A weak central government is one with limited powers and responsibilities. In such systems, most power resides with sub-national entities like states or provinces.

Analogy

Imagine if your school principal had very little control over what happens in each classroom. Instead, every teacher sets their own rules and curriculum without much oversight from above. That's similar to how a weak central government operates - lots of autonomy at local levels but less overall coordination.

Related terms

States' Rights: The rights and powers held by individual US states rather than by the federal government.

Devolution: The transfer or delegation of power to a lower level, especially by central government to local or regional administration.

Confederation: An organization consisting of several groups united in an alliance or league.

"Weak Central Government" appears in:

Subjects (1)

Practice Questions (1)

  • What was a primary effect of the weak central government established by the Articles of Confederation?


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.