Social Studies 6 Unit V The Iroquois Confederacy

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Social Studies 6 Unit V: The Iroquois Confederacy

Social Studies 6 Unit V: The Iroquois Confederacy

How was the Confederacy Structured? The six nations of the Confederacy cooperated with each

How was the Confederacy Structured? The six nations of the Confederacy cooperated with each and protected each other. They viewed themselves as one big extended family. The Iroquois had their own version of government: The Chiefs – were the leaders of the Confederacy. They made decisions based on the Great Law of Peace and had many responsibilities. The chiefs were part legislators and part judges. There were two types of special chiefs: War Chiefs for when the Iroquois were at war, and the Pine Tree Chiefs who were chosen for their special abilities or great character.

The Grand Council All the National Chiefs of the Iroquois would sit on the

The Grand Council All the National Chiefs of the Iroquois would sit on the Grand Council which was their version of Legislature/assembly. The Tuscarora, the sixth nation, was represented by the chiefs of the Oneida. The Clan Mothers acted as the executive by making sure the Chiefs obeyed the Great law of Peace and acted in the interests of the people. If the Chiefs did not do their duty then the Clan Mothers would remove them. A speaker for the Council was chosen from the Mohawk, Seneca, or Onondaga nations for 24 hours before a new speaker would be chosen. A Chief had two faithkeepers and his clan mother to advise him.

How Were Decisions Made by The Grand Council? There were three important things that

How Were Decisions Made by The Grand Council? There were three important things that the Grand Council had to think about when making a decision? : 1. Effect of decision on Peace. 2. Effect of decision on Environment. 3. Effect of decision on 7 future generations. (roughly 200 years). This made sure that no hasty decisions were passed. All chiefs in the Grand Council were considered equal, and Chiefs weren’t considered better than the average Iroquois. The Clan Mothers had to approve any decision passed by the Council.

Consensus Decisions passed in the Grand Council had to be passed by consensus. Consensus

Consensus Decisions passed in the Grand Council had to be passed by consensus. Consensus – The decision must be agreed upon by all members of the Grand Council. This made sure that all nations were represented in the decision. Consensus is a difficult process, much more difficult than majority rules, but it is more fair and equal. There is no minority group left out in the cold by a decision. Consensus only works if people are open-minded and willing to compromise. Compromise - the giving up of some things to get something else.

Clan Meetings If there was a crisis that affected all Iroquois people then the

Clan Meetings If there was a crisis that affected all Iroquois people then the Grand Council would listen to their people. Each and every clan would meet and every clan member was allowed to speak. Each clan would reach a decision by consensus. The Clan Mother would report the decision to the Clan Chief. The Clan Chiefs would get together in Council of Clan Chiefs and reach a consensus. The decision is brought to the Grand Council who accept it. Every single Iroquois from child to woman to man was part of the decision.