The mandate system is now a dying species. In none of these cases was sovereignty transferred
to the Mandatory.  The Mandatories under all categories were given only the administrative powers and responsibilities that varied according to the mandate category. 

Class A comprised territories that were
formerly part of the Ottoman Empire and were
sufficiently advanced for their independence to
be “provisionally recognized.” It was subject to
the administrative advice and assistance of the
Mandatory, “until such time as they were able to
stand alone.”

Class B consisted mainly of territories of Central
Africa that were still in the process of economic
and political development. The Mandatory was
responsible for their administration, subject to a
variety of guarantees and was under the obligation
to allow trading opportunities to other League
members.

Class C mandates were the least-developed.
Because of their sparse population or small size,
or remoteness from the centers of civilization, or
their geographical continuity to the territory of the
Mandatory, they were administered under the laws
of the Mandatory as integral portions of its territory.