Confederation refers to a political entity where several states or groups come together to achieve a common goal or purpose, such as defense or trade. This consolidation is rooted in the belief that unity can bring greater strength and success than individual efforts. Typically, a confederation is formed for mutual benefit, and each member entity maintains a degree of sovereignty while cooperating closely with others. The United States, for example, was originally formed as a confederation of thirteen colonies to ensure mutual support and protection against British rule, and later, to create an economic union to benefit all member states. Hence, a confederation emphasizes equal participation and collaboration among its members for achieving common goals.