Final answer:
Tribute, in the context of the Inca army, was the obligatory service that conscripts provided to the state as part of their civic duty.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the Inca army context, the term "tribute" refers to the mandatory service or labor extracted from conscripts as part of their obligation to the state. These conscripts, although not professional soldiers, were common individuals drafted into temporary service within the army. The Inca conscription system mirrors the Aztec tribute system, where territories were obligated to provide goods and labor to the state.
In the Inca Empire, conscription can be viewed as a form of tribute, with individuals contributing their service to fulfill the military and public works needs of the state. This conscription system allowed the Inca Empire to maintain a sizable and capable army, drawing manpower from the general population during times of need. The concept of tribute, whether in the form of goods or service, played a crucial role in sustaining the functioning and expansion of ancient empires like the Inca.