A common feature in a pre-colonial centralized state was

A common feature in a pre-colonial centralized state was "loyalty to one political superior". This means that the citizens of the state were loyal to one political leader who had ultimate power and authority. This political superior was usually a monarch or a king who had control over the entire state. The loyalty of the citizens to the political superior was the basis for the stability and continuity of the state. The citizens were expected to obey the laws and rules of the state, and the political superior was responsible for the protection and welfare of the citizens. This feature was present in many pre-colonial centralized states in Africa and other parts of the world.