The correct answer is: d) All of the above.
Feudatory states were political entities in which a central authority, such as a king or emperor, granted land and power to vassals in exchange for their loyalty and service. The vassals, in turn, would often retain their own systems of taxation and revenue collection, judiciary and law enforcement, and armed forces. This system of government was common in Europe during the Middle Ages, and it continued to exist in some parts of the world until the 19th century.
There were several reasons why feudal states often retained their own systems of government. First, it was difficult for the central authority to control distant provinces or territories. Second, the vassals often had their own interests and agendas, which they were not always willing to subordinate to the interests of the central authority. Third, the vassals often had their own military forces, which they could use to resist the central authority if necessary.
The system of feudalism had both positive and negative effects. On the positive side, it allowed for a degree of local autonomy and self-government. On the negative side, it could lead to fragmentation and instability, as the vassals often competed with each other for power. Ultimately, the system of feudalism was replaced by more centralized forms of government, such as nation-states.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- a) Systems of taxation and revenue collection: Feudal states often had their own systems of taxation and revenue collection. This was because the central authority often did not have the resources to collect taxes directly from the people. The vassals would collect taxes from their own subjects and then remit a portion of the taxes to the central authority.
- b) Judiciary and law enforcement: Feudal states often had their own systems of judiciary and law enforcement. This was because the central authority often did not have the resources to maintain a system of courts and law enforcement throughout its territory. The vassals would maintain their own courts and law enforcement officials to deal with disputes and crimes within their own territories.
- c) Armed forces: Feudal states often had their own armed forces. This was because the central authority often did not have the resources to maintain a standing army. The vassals would maintain their own armies to defend their own territories and to fight against other vassals or foreign invaders.