Cherokee Politics Prior to European Influence
Prior to the influence of the settlers, the Cherokee nation had a very loose political system. Major decisions were made by tribal council meetings which everyone in the village was welcomed. The tribe would meet at the council house. There was a council house in every village. It was structured as a circle. There were several reasons for this structure. It allowed the people to be circling the Sacred Fire which represented life. Additionally, the chief sat in the middle to show his authority. Finally, the circle allowed for each clan to sit together. They had seven assigned sections for each clan. This showed the unity of the clan and allowed them to discuss the matter at hand within the clan before speaking to the whole tribe. The figure to the left shows a sketch of a council house in a Cherokee village located in present day Tennessee.
During these meetings, the Cherokee people would discuss many issues. These included conflicts among the people, the harvest, or conflicts with other villages or tribes. Representatives of each clan would announce his clan's thoughts on the matter at hand. Usually, the matter was settled by the end of the meeting. As the villages were autonomous, it was rare that a village would need to discuss an issue with other villages within the Cherokee tribe.
Although it was not common, there were times when the Cherokee people needed to meet amongst two or more villages. In this case, the national council would convene. This council consisted of several significant individuals of each villages. These people included figures such as chiefs, their assistants, priests or head warriors. In order for the council to create a binding agreement, the decision was required to be unanimous. This council met very rarely as it was made for times of national crisis. Usually, matters were settled within the villages.
During these meetings, the Cherokee people would discuss many issues. These included conflicts among the people, the harvest, or conflicts with other villages or tribes. Representatives of each clan would announce his clan's thoughts on the matter at hand. Usually, the matter was settled by the end of the meeting. As the villages were autonomous, it was rare that a village would need to discuss an issue with other villages within the Cherokee tribe.
Although it was not common, there were times when the Cherokee people needed to meet amongst two or more villages. In this case, the national council would convene. This council consisted of several significant individuals of each villages. These people included figures such as chiefs, their assistants, priests or head warriors. In order for the council to create a binding agreement, the decision was required to be unanimous. This council met very rarely as it was made for times of national crisis. Usually, matters were settled within the villages.