What system describes the social hierarchy in medieval Europe?

The social hierarchy in medieval Europe is best described by feudalism. This system was characterized by a structure of land ownership and obligations, where the king granted land to nobles in exchange for military service and protection. These nobles, in turn, would allow vassals or serfs to work the land in return for protection and a share of the produce.

Feudalism created a system of reciprocal obligations that defined the relationships between various social classes, including the king, nobles, knights, and serfs. It established a rigid hierarchy where power and land were concentrated in the hands of a few, with each level of the hierarchy having specific roles and responsibilities.

The other options reflect different socio-economic and political systems that do not accurately describe the hierarchical structure of medieval Europe. Capitalism is an economic system based on private ownership and the free market, socialism emphasizes collective or governmental ownership, and democracy refers to a political system in which the population has a direct or indirect role in governance. None of these were the defining characteristics of medieval society, making feudalism the most accurate answer to describe the social hierarchy of that period.