What is the Difference Between Federation and Association?

The main difference between a federation and an association lies in the nature of the entities involved and the degree of centralization in their decision-making processes.

• Federation: A federation is a group of smaller organizations or legal entities, such as states or provinces, that come together to form a larger entity. Each member organization retains its own identity and autonomy, but they work together to achieve common goals. Federations are typically larger and more formalized than associations, and they often have more centralized decision-making processes.
• Association: An association is a non-profit group of people who share a common interest or purpose and form an organization to carry out such a purpose. Associations are typically smaller and more informal than federations. The members of an association usually have equal say in the decision-making process, and the group is usually run by a board of directors or a similar governing body.

In summary, a federation is a group of organizations or legal entities that collaborate to achieve common goals, while an association is a group of individuals who unite to further a shared interest or purpose. Federations are generally larger and more formalized than associations, and they often have more centralized decision-making processes.

Comparative Table: Federation vs Association

Here is a table outlining the differences between a federation and an association:

In summary:

• A federation is a political entity comprising a central government and a group of states or provincial entities with their own sovereign powers. The central government holds authority over member states and exercises control over various spheres of the member states.
• An association is a group of people or organizations that share a common interest or purpose and form an organization to carry out such a purpose. It is voluntary, informal, and focuses on individuals, with no central authority.