Government powers and back country regions of VA and NC.
It's called a "city-state"
They have the power to recall any state officials from their position and initiate or hold referendums on existing laws.
The dynasties created gunpowder, porcelain, and paper currency which would benefit the economy. Politically, people were able to move around the empires, many cities gained a higher population, thus leading to a social advancement.
Locals were oppressed, and imperialists used local natural resources for their own gain.