Governance and Power in the Pre-Columbian Americas
Standards Alignment
| Framework Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Learning Objective (Unit 1.H) | Explain how and why states in the Americas developed and changed over time. |
| Key Concept (KC-3.2.I.D.i) | In the Americas, as in Afro-Eurasia, state systems demonstrated continuity, innovation, and diversity, and expanded in scope and reach. |
| Theme (GOV) | Governance – How rulers gained, maintained, and justified power through institutions, religion, and economic organization. |
Learning Goals
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Identify major state systems in the Americas between 1200–1450.
- Explain how these states expanded and organized their societies.
- Compare how the Aztec, Inca, and Maya empires used religion, economy, and infrastructure to maintain power.
Key Vocabulary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Tribute System | Goods and labor provided by conquered peoples to the Aztec state. |
| Mit’a System | Rotational labor tax used by the Inca Empire. |
| Divine Kingship | Belief that rulers derive authority from the gods. |
| Quipu | Inca record-keeping system made of knotted cords. |
| City-State | Independent urban center with its own ruler and government. |
Background Reading: States in the Americas (1200–1450)
Between 1200 and 1450, powerful and complex societies flourished in Mesoamerica and the Andes. Although they developed independently from Afro-Eurasia, their governments showed remarkable innovation, organization, and continuity.
Mesoamerica – The Aztec Empire (Mexica)
The Aztecs (Mexica) rose to power in the Valley of Mexico after the decline of the Toltecs. They built their capital, Tenochtitlán, on an island in Lake Texcoco and created a vast empire through conquest and tribute. Religion and war were deeply linked — the Aztec ruler, known as the Huey Tlatoani, claimed divine authority and maintained control through military power and the collection of goods from conquered peoples. Public works such as causeways and canals linked the city to the mainland and demonstrated effective state planning.
Andean South America – The Inca Empire
Far to the south, the Inca Empire (Tawantinsuyu) emerged in the Andes Mountains. The Inca developed a centralized bureaucracy led by the Sapa Inca, believed to be descended from the sun god Inti. They used a system of labor taxation called mit’a, requiring communities to contribute work to state projects like road building, temples, and agricultural terraces. The empire’s extensive road network and relay system of messengers (chasquis) allowed the state to maintain communication and control across thousands of miles.
The Maya City-States
In Central America, the Maya civilization continued to thrive in smaller city-states like Chichén Itzá and Copán. Though less centralized than the Aztecs or Inca, the Maya preserved complex systems of writing, mathematics, astronomy, and dynastic kingship. Each city-state was ruled by a divine king who performed rituals to ensure agricultural fertility and cosmic balance.