Confederal systems of government are characterized by a weak center and powerful component units.
In a confederal system of government, the central government has limited powers and authority over the individual states or regions that make up the confederation. The component units, such as states or regions, have more power and authority than the central government.
The central government in a confederal system is usually responsible for matters such as defense, foreign affairs, and other limited functions, while the individual states or regions are responsible for most other matters of governance, such as education, healthcare, and taxation.
In summary, a confederal system of government is characterized by a weak central government and powerful component units such as states or regions, with the central government having limited powers and authority over the individual component units.