Theory question 102
Pre-colonial Political Systems(a) What is communalism?
(b) State four differences between feudalism and communalism.
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(a) Communalism is a social and political system in which land and the means of production are owned in common by the community and the produce is shared according to need; there are no classes.
(b) Any four:
1. Feudalism: land owned by lords; communalism: land owned by the community.
2. Feudalism: class society (lords, vassals, serfs); communalism: classless/egalitarian.
3. Feudalism: exploitation of serfs; communalism: no exploitation.
4. Feudalism: compulsory service and tribute to the lord; communalism: voluntary co-operation.
5. Feudalism: wealth goes to the lord; communalism: equitable sharing.
6. Feudalism: relationship based on land in return for loyalty/military service; communalism: based on kinship.
Write the differences in pairs: feudalism ... while communalism ...