The political structure of Mayan city-states can be summarized as follows: Each city-state was governed by a hereditary ruler, typically a king or lord, who held both political and religious authority. The ruler and a council of nobles made decisions regarding governing, warfare, and trade. The city-state was organized into a hierarchical system with the ruler and nobles at the top, followed by priests, warriors, and then commoners. The ruler's power was reinforced by a complex system of religious beliefs and rituals, and control over resources and trade played a significant role in maintaining authority.
