Social and Political Organization
Family and Social Organization
Back in the days, building families was the most important tool of survival. The more hands you could use, the more successful you were. As a group, many things were built and established. However, to keep and hold people strong together, they needed strict constitution and consequences. So, the Iroquoians selected leaders called chiefs, made their very own democratic system. To sustain a big group of people, they subdivided the families. The Iroquoian families who lived in Longhouses were related through their female members. Also, the children born the female members became part of a group called a clan. Every tribe had a number of clans, usually named after an animal. The chief of the clan was the eldest (and usually the wisest) female of the tribe. And according to the Iroquoians, a woman’s bond to the clan was stronger than the bond to her husband.
Government
Iroquoian nations formed leagues, for three main purposes. Primarily, they wanted peace with their neighbors. Second, the wanted peace with trading partners. However their ultimate goal was to form a strong bond, so when needed, they wanted their allies to fight against common foes.
The most famous league of the Iroquois was formed more than 500 years ago, which was founded by their ancestors Hiawatha and Deganawidah. The league holds strong, and since the foundation, they meet until today.The Great Council was very similar to the Canadian Parliament, however the representatives were chosen by the clan, not the voters. They made new laws, dealt with problems concerning all members of the nation.
The Iroquoian constitution was considered very important to old and new generations, and is the model of the United States Constitution. It set out powers and responsibilities of the league, villages and nation. Here are some examples of the Iroquois constitution.
One- All people have freedom.
Two- People have the freedom and right of speech and religion.
Three- No Iroquois could spill the blood of another Iroquois.
Four- Consequence of blood spill is resulted in punishment.
Five- Those who broke the law continuously could be exiled or banished.
For these reasons and survival strategies, the Iroquoian constitution system is valued by many countries, especially North America, and still is carried on even to this day. The tool for survival has vitally changed the Iroquois to become one of the strongest first nations group to be ever know in North America, and lead them to success.
The most famous league of the Iroquois was formed more than 500 years ago, which was founded by their ancestors Hiawatha and Deganawidah. The league holds strong, and since the foundation, they meet until today.The Great Council was very similar to the Canadian Parliament, however the representatives were chosen by the clan, not the voters. They made new laws, dealt with problems concerning all members of the nation.
The Iroquoian constitution was considered very important to old and new generations, and is the model of the United States Constitution. It set out powers and responsibilities of the league, villages and nation. Here are some examples of the Iroquois constitution.
One- All people have freedom.
Two- People have the freedom and right of speech and religion.
Three- No Iroquois could spill the blood of another Iroquois.
Four- Consequence of blood spill is resulted in punishment.
Five- Those who broke the law continuously could be exiled or banished.
For these reasons and survival strategies, the Iroquoian constitution system is valued by many countries, especially North America, and still is carried on even to this day. The tool for survival has vitally changed the Iroquois to become one of the strongest first nations group to be ever know in North America, and lead them to success.