Middle Ages Regents Practice Exam 2025 - Free Regents Practice Questions and Study Guide

A primary characteristic of a feudal society is the exchange of land for services. In this system, a lord would grant land, known as a fief, to a vassal in return for military service and loyalty. This mutual obligation created a hierarchy where land ownership was closely tied to power and influence. The vassals would manage the land and protect it, while the lords provided the vassals with status and income in the form of land. This relationship defined the social and economic structure of feudal societies, where personal relationships and allegiances were fundamental to governance and society.

In contrast, the other options do not represent key aspects of feudalism: representative governments were not a feature of feudal society as it was characterized by a more localized and personal form of rule; economic equality was not present, as wealth and land were concentrated in the hands of a few; and the protection of individual rights was not a primary concern in a system focused on loyalty and duty rather than the individual’s freedoms.