A Tribute Empire
	l Each of the Aztec city-states was ruled by a speaker chosen from the nobility. l The ruler of Tenochtitlan, the Great Speaker, surpassed all others in wealth and power. l He presided over an elaborate court. l A prime minister, usually a close relative of the ruler, had tremendous power. l There was a governing council, but it lacked real power. l During the first 100 years of Aztec expansion a powerful nobility and emperor had taken over authority formerly held by calpulli.