Final answer:
The Mayan civilization was structured as a loosely connected network of city-states, each with its own rulers, whereas the Aztec civilization had a more centralized form of government with noble rulers in each city-state as representatives of the gods.
Step-by-step explanation:
One main difference between the Mayan and Aztec social pyramids is the structure of their governments. Mayan society was characterized by a loosely federated city-states structure without a centralized government, whereas the Aztec society was more centralized with each city-state governed by noble rulers who were considered representatives of the gods.
The Mayans were organized into various city-states like Palenque, Tikal, and Chichén Itzá, which were often in flux with shifting alliances and power structures. In contrast, the Aztecs had a more rigid hierarchy, where noble families held government and religious positions, lived in elaborate homes, and wielded considerable power over the commoners, dictating tribute and military campaigns.