1. A very strong centralized political authority and a very weak provincial or local political authority
2. The emergence of an administrative structure based on control and possession of the land
3. Creation of lord-vassal relationship between the feudal lord and his overlord
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation
In the medieval era, feudalism was the predominant socio-economic structure.
Statement 1 is incorrect: As a political principle of organization that divided the power of lords, feudalism laid the foundations for a decentralization of political power, wherein the nobility owned land from the Crown in return for military service, and vassals were tenants of the nobles. The peasants were required to reside on their lord’s land and to offer him homage, labor, and a share of the production in exchange for military protection.
Statement 2 is correct: In a feudal system, land is the main economic resource, and it is the key to political power and authority. The feudal system is built around the concept of land ownership, where lords or landholders control vast estates and manage them with the help of vassals, peasants, or serfs. Land is granted in exchange for military service, loyalty, or other obligations, forming the basis for the entire administrative and economic structure.
Statement 3 is correct: One of the key features of the feudal system is the lord-vassal relationship, which forms the backbone of feudal society. A vassal is granted land (a fief) by a lord in return for military service, loyalty, and other obligations. This relationship is often hierarchical, with the vassal owing loyalty and service to a superior lord, who in turn may be a vassal to a higher lord or the king. The lord-vassal relationship is not just a social contract but a legal one, with specific duties and rights that define the relationship between the two parties.
For S1, "Feudalism" (by simple understanding) implies land divided among lords, local powers, decentralization. So saying there’s a very strong central authority contradicts what feudalism logically implies. Hence false. Eliminates options A and D.