These practices and norms made the people to live in constant fear and vigilance.
Explanation:
In the story we can understand that the world has completely become so equal that the Handicap General would suppress anyone who was better or superior than the rest.
This decree had completely subdued free will and talent among people. There were no provisions for individuality and the government was always on the watch. These practices and norms made the people to live in constant fear and vigilance.
In this way, the people acted accordingly and such lifestyle became a part of their characters. The suppressing norms and societal values made the people coward and silent.