What were two characteristics of the Spanish encomienda system?

The Spanish encomienda system was a labor system that granted Spanish colonizers the right to demand tribute and forced labor from Indigenous people in the Americas. It was characterized by the encomenderos, or landholders, who were responsible for the protection and Christianization of the Indigenous populations in exchange for their labor. This system often led to severe exploitation and abuse of Indigenous people, contributing to significant population declines due to harsh working conditions and disease. Ultimately, the encomienda system reflected the broader colonial practice of subjugating local populations for economic gain.