Governments of the American Indians

larger groups of distant relatives.

Clans were often shared by many tribes.

join together to form tribes.

bands come together for major decisions, like going to war, choosing who to trade with, or choosing how to use natural resources.

a group of tribes under one leader, or chief.

Some cultures passed authority down through the father’s side of the family.

Many chiefs had to earn their right to lead their people.

Tribes joining together to bring peace after war.

Each group had its own leadership, but the leaders made big decisions in the Grand Council of the Chiefs.

The Iroquois created a constitution called the Great Law of Peace. This agreement included a balance of power between bigger and smaller groups, a two-branch legislature, procedures for passing laws, and more.