Final answer:
The Shang Dynasty centralized power and relied on warfare and human sacrifice, while the Zhou Dynasty introduced a decentralized feudal system granting autonomy to local lords, leading to a shared cultural identity and a more durable yet eventually fragmented political structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The political systems of the Shang and Zhou dynasties were distinct in their governance and ideologies. The Shang Dynasty, known for uniformity in northern China and influence in other regions, relied heavily on warfare and human sacrifice in their religious practices. This approach eventually led to discontent among their subjects. In contrast, the Zhou dynasty, which followed the Shang after a successful rebellion, implemented a more decentralized feudal system. This system allowed the Zhou to expand their territory and integrate various cultures into their dominion. The Zhou granted land to aristocrats who then owed tribute and military support to the king. These local lords had considerable autonomy within their domains, similar to the ruling family, and maintained their own ministers, scribes, and warriors.
Despite adopting many aspects of Shang culture, the Zhou initiated significant changes in political ideology, promoting a shared cultural identity and laying the foundations for East Asian civilzation. They accused the Shang rulers of despotism and positioned themselves as liberators. The Zhou dynasty's later period was characterized by a weakening of the central power as regional lords grew more independent, which eventually led to political fragmentation.