WAEC Government 2010 Theory — Question 2

Model answer

Demerits of feudalism include: (i) It was undemocratic - the serfs had no say in how government was formed and run, and their interests were not represented by the lords. (ii) It made the formation of a strong central government difficult, since political authority was split among many lords with autonomous powers over their own fiefdoms. (iii) It thrived on the exploitation of the serfs, who had to perform duties and give tribute to the lords in exchange for the use of land they did not own. (iv) Social mobility was almost non-existent - a person born a serf had little chance of becoming anything other than a serf. (v) It encouraged endless conflict between rival lords competing for land and power (any five).