A major feature of the system of government in the Sokoto Caliphate was that

The Sokoto Caliphate was a Muslim empire in West Africa during the 19th century. A major feature of the system of government in the Sokoto Caliphate was that it was theocratic, meaning it was based on Islamic law and principles. The caliphate was ruled by a supreme religious leader known as the Sultan, who was both a political and religious figure. The Sultan's authority was based on his interpretation of Islamic law and his ability to enforce it. The caliphate was not democratic, as political power was not based on elections or popular representation. Rather, power was centralized in the Sultan and his appointed officials, although there was some degree of decentralization through the use of local rulers known as emirs.