Final answer:
Acephalous societies are simple political systems with diffusely distributed power across various community units, in contrast to centralized political systems with formal authority structures. Many African societies have exhibited both forms, while modern democracies distribute power within a more structured, formal system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The general term for relatively simple political systems in which power is diffused throughout the society is known as acephalous societies. In these systems, authority is not centralized in a single individual or institution but is distributed across various units of the society, such as families, clans, or village meetings. These forms of governance are characterized by communal decision-making and often lack formal structures of authority. Conversely, centralized political systems feature defined leadership roles, such as that of chiefs or monarchs, with clear hierarchies and structures of authority.
In historical and anthropological context, many African societies exhibited both centralized and acephalous forms of political organization. Societies operating under acephalous organization could efficiently manage their affairs through the collective action of their members. Conversely, societies with centralized systems employed mechanisms such as taxation, law enforcement, and bureaucracies to maintain social order and extract resources.
As nations develop and grow more complex, there is often a shift from acephalous societies to those with more centralized forms of government. This transition often reflects increasing social stratification and population growth, among other factors. Modern democratic governments also distribute power, but they do so within a more formalized structure, featuring a wider participation in the political process and protection of civil liberties compared to authoritarian regimes.