It had a place for everyone and work for everyone. The people lived in communities which were either family groups or groups formed for administrative purposes. Administrative groups consisted of military officials, descendants of previous Sapa Incas, judges, chief civil servants, and lower level officials. There were also groups of specialist craftsmen. Family groups usually consisted of farmers and peasants.

Inca land was divided into three parts. The first part was for the gods, and it provided food for the priests and offerings for sacrifices. The second part produced crops for the emperor and his noblemen, and for the sick and needy. The third part was for the peasants.

Very few people suffered real hardship under Inca rule. However, the rules of society were strict. The intent of the government was for everyone to help everyone else. Everyone worked, except the very sick, the very old, and the very young. There was a tax system that allowed workers to be paid not in money, but in a percentage of what they produced. Everyone contributed taxes as described above, and the extra food was kept in special storehouses where it would be available to needy people and for emergencies.