The Monastic order have change over time. During the middle ages the Mendicant order evolved from the Monastic order. These "begging" orders represented a new departure in medieval monasticism. In the Mendicant order there are different orders that branch out from it. The Franciscans and Dominicans were the first of the mendicant orders, but mendicant privileges were later extended to other orders such as Carmelites and Augustians.
The Dominican order was founded by St Dominic. Was officially named the Order of Preachers. A Dominican's life was one of preaching and study. The order provided house of study centers of learning. Their plan of government was nonpaternalistic. They were prominent in the medieval universities. They were principally in charge of the inquisition. Their habit was white with a black mantle worn during preaching. .
The Franciscan order was founded by St Francis. They were also call the Order of the Friars Minor. Poverty and itinerant preaching were to be the primary tasks of this mendicant order. Poverty, deplore the convent or any settle life. They resolved to own nothing and beg for jobs in exchange for their daily meals. With this they totally abandon any secular concern. Their habit was brown.
One major difference between the mendicants and earlier monastic orders was the they were not bound by a vow of permanency to one convent but enjoyed considerable liberty. They do not belong to any particular house, but to the province or order. They exercise their ministry within the limits of their province and with the permission of the general they can go all over the world.
The reason why these orders were successful during this time was because of the avocation of poverty. Many people lived lives of poverty not inferior to those of the Mendicant, and, but becoming one themselves, they not only gave those lives a sense of purpose and dignity, but doubtless enjoyed better treatment as Mendicant.