Final answer:
A confederate system is a form of governmental structure in which the national government is weak and most or all power is in the hands of its components, such as states. In this system, authority is decentralized and the central government's ability to act depends on the consent of the subnational governments.
Step-by-step explanation:
A form of governmental structure in which the national government is weak and most or all power is in the hands of its components (e.g., states) is known as a confederate system. In a confederation, authority is decentralized, and the central government's ability to act depends on the consent of the subnational governments. This system is characterized by weak central authority, with states retaining most powers of an independent nation. Examples of confederate systems include the United States under the Articles of Confederation and the Commonwealth of Independent States.