Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Caribbean History Practice Exam 2025 – Complete All-in-One Guide for Exam Success!

An important feature of Caribbean indigenous societies before European contact was the development of complex social structures. These societies, such as the Taíno and the Carib, had organized systems of leadership, social hierarchy, and roles within their communities. Leadership was typically vested in chiefs who oversaw various aspects of life, including trade, agriculture, and ritual activities.

The social structures were not only hierarchical but also included aspects of cooperation and communal living, evident in their agricultural practices and trade networks. These societies demonstrated an understanding of governance and community organization that was sophisticated for their time. The presence of social roles and divisions of labor indicates a level of complexity that set the foundation for cultural development in the Caribbean long before European arrival.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the characteristics of Caribbean indigenous societies prior to European contact. There were no European-style governments in place, as these communities had their own distinct forms of governance. While some groups engaged in hunting, they also practiced agriculture and fishing, which were integral to their survival and culture, hence not primarily nomadic. Moreover, the transatlantic slave trade was initiated by European powers well after the initial contact with indigenous peoples, so it cannot be attributed to the societies themselves.