Final answer:
The correct answer to the question is A. Tribute.
Step-by-step explanation:
A tribute is money or goods that one party, often a city-state or a smaller nation, pays to a more powerful state or leader as a form of protection or acknowledgment of submission. This practice was common in ancient civilizations and differs from taxes, tariffs, and salaries, which serve different functions within a society.
Tariffs are taxes on imported goods designed to raise revenue and protect domestic industries by increasing the cost of foreign goods. A tax is a mandatory payment by individuals and businesses to the government, which is then used to fund public services and infrastructure. Lastly, a salary is a regular payment made by an employer to an employee, usually calculated on a monthly or annual basis.