-Ruled by the king (Mwene Mutapa).
-King's position was hereditary.
-The king was the chief religious authority since he could communicate with Vadzimu (ancestral spirit)-a divine king.
-The king used priest as a link between him and the people.
-There existed a royal fire which kept burning till the death of a king.
-The empire was divided into provinces ruled by chiefs.
-the king had a standing army.