“Local authorities were more effective than state authorities in controlling the population.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that local authorities were more effective than state authorities in controlling the population. Candidates may refer to the close relations local authorities had with communities that allowed for a better imposition of their rule. Candidates may also highlight that local authorities usually took part in traditional practices, controlling rituals and generating strong bonds with the population. They may also discuss that local authorities had control over the resources and managed the payment of taxes to the state, fulfilling the role of important mediators. Candidates may challenge the statement considering that local authorities were part of state systems, therefore their actions were beneficial to the central powers. Candidates may also discuss that states successfully controlled the population with a net of their own authorities and armies sent to different communities and/or by submitting local authorities through rewards and promotions. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

There were no responses for the question that required candidates to offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that local authorities were more effective than state authorities in controlling the population.