Final answer:
This practice of keeping the power within the family during the Shang Dynasty of China is referred to as a Dynasty, which is a system of hereditary succession.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a Shang king died, the system of succession was such that his next oldest brother replaced him, and in the absence of brothers, the throne would pass to the oldest maternal nephew. This practice of maintaining power within a specific family lineage is known as a Dynasty. The system relies on hereditary rule, where the power is passed down through the family, typically from father to son or, as in the case of the Shang, to the next male relative. This way of organizing leadership contrasts with a meritocracy, where positions are awarded based on ability and accomplishments rather than lineage or birthright.