The Shang dyansty was an aristocrastic society, with a king ruling over the military nobility.

Territorial rulers were appointed by him in return for their support in his military campaigns.

Underneath the aristocratic class was the priest class. The priests kept the records of the government and were also in charge of religion.

The religion in the time of the Shang dynasty was based on ancestor worship and a worship of many gods; the main god was known as Shang Ti, the Lord on High.