The government of the shang dynasty of china was highly centralized and authoritarian, while the government of the dynasty was very decentralized, with power dispersed among a small grouping of independent states.

The government of the Shang dynasty of China was highly consolidated and authoritarian, while the government of the Zhou dynasty was much decentralized, with power distributed among a small grouping of independent states.  Early decentralization during Zhou dynasty triggered familial relationships between lead government and regional dynasties. It can be associated to medieval Europe for better understanding.