What mechanism do the Lilliputians use to maintain control over their society?

The Lilliputians maintain control over their society primarily through political factions and rivalries, which is a critical element in Jonathan Swift's satire of government and politics. The presence of various factions, such as the Tramecksan and Slamecksan, illustrates how political allegiances and power struggles can create divisions among the people. These factions influence laws, governance, and the behavior of citizens, ultimately allowing those in power to manipulate the populace to their advantage. By highlighting the absurdity of these petty rivalries, Swift critiques the political landscape of his own time, demonstrating how such systems can hinder effective governance and lead to societal chaos.

In contrast, while military discipline, social stratification, and religious indoctrination may exist within the world of the Lilliputians, they are not the primary mechanisms through which control is exerted in the narrative. Swift's focus is more on the folly and absurdity of political systems, making the use of factions the most significant factor in the Lilliputians' societal structure.