Answer:
Mayan government had two main branches: kings and priests. Priest were exercised religious and military power over the city-state. As they practiced human sacrifice, they raid other communities to get victims for sacrifice.
In the Pre-Classic Maya era, while the king ruled by divine right, even he could only go so far. Under the king was his council of advisors who were called 'batab', necessary to run the city-state. "The batab held positions as military leaders, overseers, administrators, town councilors, constables, tax collectors and high priests."
Reference: "Government of the Maya" History on the Net © 2000-2019, Salem Media. October 12, 2019