Final answer:
Political units in matrilineal societies are based on descent traced through women, with inheritance and family ties determined by the mother's lineage, often with male family members in leadership roles.
Step-by-step explanation:
In matrilineal societies, political units are based on lineage traced through the mother's side, where inheritance, family ties, and clan affiliation are determined. For instance, in Native American societies such as the Crow and Cherokee, one's kinship is traced through maternal ancestors, and it is common for political power and possessions to pass to nephews and other maternal relatives.
Conversely, in patrilineal societies, like those in rural China and India, lineage follows the father's line with males carrying the family surname, generally promoting patriarchal structures where males have prestige because of permanent family membership.
In matrilineal systems, while inheritance passes through women, leadership roles, particularly in public and political spheres, are often held by senior men within the family. This can be seen with figures such as a woman's brother or maternal uncle who makes crucial decisions for the family. Interestingly, matrilineal descent ensures certainty in kinship because a child's maternity is incontrovertible, whereas paternity may not always be certain.