Like what most of Tamriel seems to be, it's feudalistic. Jarl is where the English term Earl comes from, and from the Scandinavian term Jarl it functioned like a sovereign prince. They're referred to in-game as the "Nord kings" and then corrected to "jarls", So Holds are independent states, Jarls are, for the most part, a hereditary office (you do have to have support of the other nobles, else they'll just depose you). They trade, squabble over territory, and make alliances with each other. All swear fealty to the High King though.
Nord Clans are just extended families, just as in real life. Clans assert their influence and power within a Hold. They're like the noble families of Westeros or any other feudalistic society, though I think Skyrim offers much more upward mobility.
Like what most of Tamriel seems to be, it's feudalistic. Jarl is where the English term Earl comes from, and from the Scandinavian term Jarl it functioned like a sovereign prince. They're referred to in-game as the "Nord kings" and then corrected to "jarls", So Holds are independent states, Jarls are, for the most part, a hereditary office (you do have to have support of the other nobles, else they'll just depose you). They trade, squabble over territory, and make alliances with each other. All swear fealty to the High King though.
Nord Clans are just extended families, just as in real life. Clans assert their influence and power within a Hold. They're like the noble families of Westeros or any other feudalistic society, though I think Skyrim offers much more upward mobility.