Vassalage

The original meaning for the term, was and still is, a form of tribute.
The founding charter of the Hojan Confederation stated that all members had to provide money for their combined governance and some soldiers for their collective defence.

Today the Vassalage for the member settlements has changed somewhat and the term is used for the taxes and services of citizens as well.

While the citizen has to pay taxes to the settlement he lives in a part of that tax becomes vassalage and is assigned to Confedarate business. Stuff like keeping the major roads well maintained or the military contingent of said settlement equiped and paid for.