Question

Someone dumb this down for me. I'm not even kidding
FYI: State-building, expansion, and conflict
This theme refers to the processes by which hierarchical systems of rule have been constructed and maintained and to the conflicts generated through those processes. In particular, this theme encourages the comparative study of different state forms (for example, kingdoms, empires, nation-states) across time and space, and the interactions among them. Students should examine and compare various forms of state development and expansion in the context of various productive strategies

Answer 1

So, what they are asking for here is for you to compare and contrast the different ways that societies, states and countries have been built up over the course of history. You should show the similarities and differences between the ways different groups of people built themselves up and what strategies they used. For examples, what techniques did the roman empire use to grow so large? What about Great Britain? The United States? Did they use a monarchy or democracy? How did they establish those systems of government? How did they treat their citizens and how did that affect their growth?

So, if I were you, I would pick a few different great empires, such as the three named above. Then, do some research about their histories and how they became so powerful :D Compare and contrast the techniques that went into their growth. Hope this helped. If any other questions, hit me up ^^