A system of decentralized government in which rule is held by landowners who owe obligations of loyalty and military service to their superiors and protection to those under them.
A hierarchical arrangement of groups or classes within a society-for example, peasants, merchants, officials, ministers, rulers.
A system of state relations in which less powerful states directly or implicitly agree to defer to the lead of the most powerful state, which is, thus, the hegemon.
Philosophical concept that developed in China in which a dynasty's right to rule depends on the moral correctness of its rulers.
A species of grass cultivated for its edible white seeds and as hay for animal feed.
States that are dependent on or partially controlled by more powerful ones.
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