Which of the following best describes a partnership that relies on cooperation among divided factions?

The best description of a partnership that relies on cooperation among divided factions is a coalition. Coalitions are often formed in political contexts where multiple parties or groups, despite their differences, unite to achieve a common goal or to address a particular issue. This cooperative effort allows diverse factions to work together while still maintaining their distinct identities and interests.

While unions, alliances, and confederations also involve collaboration, they have different connotations. A union typically refers to a more permanent and formal arrangement that implies a sense of unification and shared governance among members. An alliance usually denotes a partnership formed for a specific purpose or mutual benefit, which may not encompass the same level of ongoing cooperation among varied factions. Lastly, a confederation indicates a joining together of independent entities that retain a degree of sovereignty, usually for mutual defense or similar purposes, but it may not emphasize the cooperation aspect as strongly as a coalition does. Thus, the emphasis on cooperation among divided factions is best captured by the concept of a coalition.