Frances Lacsamana

The Aztec empire was and empires that ruled by indirect means, it was a system of tribute than a single system government.

It was informal and did not exert supreme authority over conquered lands

Local rulers were restored their positions once their city-state was conquered and the Aztecs did not intern in local affairs as long as the tribute payments were made.

Although the form of government was known as an empire, most areas within the empire were organized as city-states.

Altepetl was the name and were small polities ruled by a king from a legitimate dynasty.

After the empire had formed and began expansion Altepetl remained the dominant form of organization