What characterizes the feudal system?

The feudal system is characterized primarily by the relationship between land ownership and service obligations. Under this system, a lord would grant land, known as a fief, to a vassal in exchange for various forms of service, often military in nature. This hierarchical structure created a bond between the landowner and the person holding the land, where the vassal owed loyalty and service to the lord, and in return, the lord provided protection and the right to occupy and use the land.

This form of social and economic organization was prevalent in medieval Europe and established a clear chain of responsibility and dependence. It fundamentally shaped the socio-economic landscape of the time, emphasizing the importance of land as a source of wealth and power.

In contrast, the other choices pertain to modern legal frameworks or administrative processes that do not reflect the essence of feudal relationships. Laws governing corporate disputes and online resolution of small claims are aspects of contemporary legal systems that deal with business and digital conflict resolution, while government compensation for land relinquished relates to policies and approaches regarding eminent domain or expropriation, which are not tied to the feudal system's reliance on land for services.