Final answer:
In the encomienda system, colonists were given control over American Indians on their lands and could demand labor from them, although they were nominally responsible for the Indigenous peoples' protection and Christian education.
Step-by-step explanation:
The encomienda system was a form of forced labor and social control used by the Spanish during the colonization of the Americas. Under this system, Spanish colonists, known as encomenderos, were given control over local Native American populations and were allowed to demand labor from these Indigenous people, effectively resulting in conditions akin to slavery. The colonists received labor from American Indians on their lands and were responsible for protecting and teaching the Native Americans, often in Christian doctrines. However, despite the intentions of guidance and protection, these responsibilities frequently manifested as exploitative and harsh labor conditions for the Native Americans.
Two phrases that describe colonists' responsibilities in the encomienda system are that they were given control over American Indians on their lands and they were expected to protect and teach American Indians. Although the colonists were allowed to force American Indians to work, the system was also intended to include the protection and instruction of the Indigenous people, albeit often not in practice.