How did power become centralized across independent Mayan city-states?

A. As the empire expanded, those with political and religious power became leaders and ruled with other city-states.
B. As city-states fell, centralized Spanish authority took over.
C. Mayan people became discontented with the king and created their own central government.
D. As the empire expanded, city-states fell due to increasing government expenses.

A. As the empire expanded, those with political and religious power became leaders and ruled with other city-states.