Final Answer:
The Aztecs utilized a combination of military force, hierarchical social structure, religious authority, and tribute systems to govern their empire.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Aztecs employed a multifaceted approach to governance, combining military power with a structured social hierarchy. At the core of their control mechanisms was a powerful military that played a crucial role in expansion, conquest, and maintaining territorial control. The Aztec Empire's success in military campaigns contributed significantly to its ability to govern vast regions.
Social organization and hierarchy were integral to Aztec governance. The society was structured with a clear division between classes, with the emperor at the top, followed by nobles, commoners, and slaves. This hierarchical structure helped maintain order and control by defining the roles and responsibilities of each social class. The Aztecs also integrated religious authority into their governance. The emperor, often considered a divine figure, held both political and religious power. The intertwining of religion and politics helped legitimize the rule and establish a system of control.
Another crucial aspect of Aztec governance was the tribute system. Conquered territories were required to pay tribute, usually in the form of goods, to the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan. This tribute system served as both an economic resource and a means of exerting control over subordinate regions. Through these various methods, the Aztecs maintained a vast and complex empire that extended across Mesoamerica.