Background
The word "federal" was coined in 1645 by British theologians who sought ways of manifesting the biblical covenant theories. Federal principles were applied much earlier, however, by the 13th century Israelites, and later by the Greeks. Modern federalism developed in America in the late 18th century.
Counter-claim
Federal systems, although liable to failure when being established, have proved the most durable once established. No federal system that has lasted even 15 years has ever been voluntarily abandoned, and those disrupted by revolution have ultimately been restored.