Which of the following best describes a union of states with a central authority, where major authority lies with the member states, and the monarch is not necessarily involved?

• A. Confederation
• B. Federation
• C. Union
• D. Monarchy

Answer: (D)

This question focuses on how power is shared between a central government and its member states. In a confederation, independent states come together to handle common tasks, but the central authority is limited and most sovereignty stays with the states. The monarch isn’t required to be involved or wield real power, which fits the description given. A federation would have a stronger central government that exercises significant authority, so it doesn’t match. A generic “union” is too vague to specify this power balance, and a monarchy describes who leads rather than how power is distributed. So the best fit is a confederation.