Positions of power
Emperor
The Aztec government was similar to a monarchy. They called their ruler the Huey Tlatoani. The Huey Tlatoani was the ultimate power in the land. They felt that he was chosen by the gods and had the divine right to rule. They even worshipped him as a god. He was the one who decided when to go to war and what tribute the lands he ruled would pay the Aztecs. The Huey Tlatoani was the leader of the city council. The Tlatoani was the ultimate owner of all land in his city, received tribute, oversaw markets and temples, led the military and resolved judiciary disagreements. And although the Tlatoani had absolute power, he came to power via the city council and he could also be removed from power by the city council. The Tlatoani had to be from noble class and had to have some royal blood. His rule is supported by many people such as the priests, judges, governors and many more. The Tlatoani represented the civilisation in external affairs such as war and alliances and that is why he is always considered as the only leader of Mexico.
The Aztec government was similar to a monarchy. They called their ruler the Huey Tlatoani. The Huey Tlatoani was the ultimate power in the land. They felt that he was chosen by the gods and had the divine right to rule. They even worshipped him as a god. He was the one who decided when to go to war and what tribute the lands he ruled would pay the Aztecs. The Huey Tlatoani was the leader of the city council. The Tlatoani was the ultimate owner of all land in his city, received tribute, oversaw markets and temples, led the military and resolved judiciary disagreements. And although the Tlatoani had absolute power, he came to power via the city council and he could also be removed from power by the city council. The Tlatoani had to be from noble class and had to have some royal blood. His rule is supported by many people such as the priests, judges, governors and many more. The Tlatoani represented the civilisation in external affairs such as war and alliances and that is why he is always considered as the only leader of Mexico.
Cihuacoatl
The Cihuacoatl was the second in command in the Aztec government. Cihuacoatl means snake woman and leads many people to thinking this role belongs to a woman, but it was always a man that was in this position. He also had to be a member of nobility. This role is sometimes interpreted as a prime minister or deputy. The Cihuacoatl was in charge of running the government on a daily basis. He also served as the supreme judge for the court system, appointed all the lower judges and handled the financial affairs. He had thousands of officials and civil servants that worked under him and helped keep the government and the empire running smoothly. He represented the internal affairs of the civilisation such as civil custom and religion. Although the Cihuacoatl is very powerful, he is not allowed to make any decisions without consulting the Huey Tlatoani first. If the Tlatoani disagrees, then that decision is not allowed to be made.
The Cihuacoatl was the second in command in the Aztec government. Cihuacoatl means snake woman and leads many people to thinking this role belongs to a woman, but it was always a man that was in this position. He also had to be a member of nobility. This role is sometimes interpreted as a prime minister or deputy. The Cihuacoatl was in charge of running the government on a daily basis. He also served as the supreme judge for the court system, appointed all the lower judges and handled the financial affairs. He had thousands of officials and civil servants that worked under him and helped keep the government and the empire running smoothly. He represented the internal affairs of the civilisation such as civil custom and religion. Although the Cihuacoatl is very powerful, he is not allowed to make any decisions without consulting the Huey Tlatoani first. If the Tlatoani disagrees, then that decision is not allowed to be made.
Council of Four
The Council of Four consists of four very powerful men and generals of the army who were first in line to become the next emperor. They gave advice to the emperor and it was very important that he had their agreement in major decisions. The Council of Four are the people that elects the new emperor after the previous ruler has died. The Council of Four must choose a new emperor that was related to the previous ruler. They normally chose the emperors among the brothers of sons of the deceased ruler. They had to be nobles and over the age of 30. They had to be educated at one of the elite calmecac schools, experienced warriors and military leaders and they had to be just.
The Council of Four consists of four very powerful men and generals of the army who were first in line to become the next emperor. They gave advice to the emperor and it was very important that he had their agreement in major decisions. The Council of Four are the people that elects the new emperor after the previous ruler has died. The Council of Four must choose a new emperor that was related to the previous ruler. They normally chose the emperors among the brothers of sons of the deceased ruler. They had to be nobles and over the age of 30. They had to be educated at one of the elite calmecac schools, experienced warriors and military leaders and they had to be just.