Final answer:
A confederate government allows several states to cooperate on common concerns while maintaining their sovereignty, which is reflected in Option C of the multiple-choice question.
Step-by-step explanation:
The benefit of a confederate government is primarily that it allows several states to cooperate on matters of common concern while still maintaining their separate identities and sovereignty. This form of government is distinguished by a weak central authority where states retain the powers of an independent nation, such as maintaining a military force, printing money, and making treaties. Confederations often arise from a desire to prevent an overbearing central authority and to keep governance closer to the citizenry, recognizing that local governments are believed to better understand and protect the needs and interests of their residents.
In the context of the student's question, the correct benefit of a confederate government is Option C: Several states can cooperate in matters of common concern and still retain their separate identities.