Ratification: Ratification is the formal approval or acceptance of a proposal by an individual state or entity. In this context, it refers to each state's official endorsement of The Articles of Confederation.
Confederation: A confederation is an alliance or union between different states or entities for a common purpose. The Articles of Confederation established a weak central government and emphasized the sovereignty and autonomy of individual states.
Federalism: Federalism is a system where power is divided between a central authority (federal government) and multiple regional entities (states). The acceptance of The Articles of Confederation reflected the states' preference for more power at the state level rather than in a strong central authority.