[1] Most kuchkabal were run by a halach uinik, who ruled on behalf of one of the gods of their pantheon, constituting a theocracy.
The succession occurred in the same family, with power passing from parent to child, under the law of primogeniture.
They usually designated their family members as heads or batab of the batalib (municipalities) that formed the kuchkabal.
These batabob commanded their own soldiers, presided over the local council, implemented justice, and controlled the payment of taxes.
Its main symbol of power was the "manikin scepter", a ceremonial baton that featured a figurine of K'awiil, the god of life.