Question

which statement best describes the political structure of the ancient aztecs?
the aztecs developed city - states that were powerful but independent.
the aztec civilization included different groups unified under a single religion.
the aztec civilization was ruled by an emperor and had about four hundred tribute states.
the aztecs were ruled by representatives from different city - states.

Explanation:

1. Analyze Option 1: The Aztecs had a centralized empire, not independent city - states. So this is incorrect.
2. Analyze Option 2: The Aztec political structure was not unified under a single religion in a political - structural sense. Their religion was important but not the unifying factor of the political structure. So this is incorrect.
3. Analyze Option 3: The Aztec civilization was ruled by an emperor (like Montezuma), and they had a large number of tribute states (around 400) that provided goods and labor to the empire. This accurately describes their political structure.
4. Analyze Option 4: The Aztecs were ruled by an emperor, not representatives from different city - states. So this is incorrect.

Answer:

C. The Aztec civilization was ruled by an emperor and had about four hundred tribute states.