When was the United States Constitution drafted and ratified?
The United States Constitution was drafted in 1787 and ratified in 1788. This document marked the birth of the oldest surviving federation in human history.
Questions about Federation
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Which countries are examples of federations that became federations while still part of the British Empire?
Australia and Canada are federations that became federations while still part of the British Empire. They gradually evolved towards full independence.
When did Nepal become the newest federation in the world?
Nepal became the newest federation after its constitution went into effect on the 20th of September 2015.
How many federations exist in the world today and how are they distributed by continent?
There are 27 federations in the world today with 6 each in Africa, Asia, and Europe, 4 in North America, 3 in South America, and 2 in Oceania.
What is the difference between a federation and a unitary state?
A federation divides sovereignty between a central authority and constituent states with constitutionally entrenched powers that cannot be altered unilaterally. A unitary state may function as a de facto federation but retains the legal ability for the central government to revoke regional autonomy.