What term describes the political system where nobles are granted land by a king in exchange for loyalty and military service?

The term that describes the political system where nobles are granted land by a king in exchange for loyalty and military service is feudalism. This system was prevalent in medieval Europe and was characterized by a hierarchical structure of power and land ownership. In feudalism, a king would grant large tracts of land, known as fiefs, to his most trusted nobles, or lords. In return for this land, the lords were expected to provide military support, protection, and loyalty to the king.

Feudalism creates a bond of mutual obligation between the king and the nobles. The nobles, owning land, could also grant portions of their land to vassals or knights, who would serve them in a similar fashion, creating a network of loyalty and service that defined the social and military structures of the time. This system ensured that local lords had the resources and personnel needed to defend their territories and maintain order within their regions, all while supporting the larger authority of the monarch.

The other terms, while representing different political concepts, do not fit this definition. Meritocracy refers to a system where advancement is based on individual ability or achievement, democracy is a form of government in which power ultimately rests in the hands of the people, and monarchy