Question

as the zhou dynasty expanded in size and complexity, how were principalities outside of the capital governed?

by ministries for law and public works

by chief warlords

by members of the hereditary aristocracy

by those chosen by the mandate of heaven

Explanation:

The Zhou dynasty used a feudal system where principalities outside the capital were governed by members of the hereditary aristocracy (nobles) who were granted land and authority. "By ministries for law and public works" is more like a bureaucratic system (not Zhou's approach), "chief warlords" is inaccurate as the Zhou relied on feudal lords (aristocracy), and "Mandate of Heaven" was about the Zhou's right to rule overall, not the governance of principalities.

Answer:

C. By members of the hereditary aristocracy