Final answer:
The Maya civilization was organized into independent city-states rather than a centralized empire. Each city-state was led by a ruler who managed religious and military activities, often engaging in inter-city-state warfare for tribute and trade control. Their political structure was complex, with fluctuating alliances and a robust trade network.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the Maya had a centralized ruling authority comprised of subordinate regional kingdoms is false. The political organization of the larger Maya world was not a centralized empire but rather a collection of independent city-states. Each city-state had its own rulers, often referred to as "divine lords," who exercised authority primarily through control over religious ceremonies and warfare with other Maya city-states. These city-states engaged in wars to subdue rivals and extract tribute but rarely sought direct control over conquered regions, allowing them a considerable degree of independence despite shared cultural attributes.
Significant to the Maya economy was their long-distance trade and complex social structure. The Maya world was dynamic with shifting alliances and trade networks that spanned across Central America. Kings and the aristocracy vied for control over trade routes, engaging in wars and diplomacy to assert their influence in the regional geopolitical landscape.