Overview
The Cherokee people had a political system prior to European settlement. However, it was not as structured as other societies. The primary method to decision making was holding a tribal meeting that included everyone in the village. Decisions made by the village were usually independent. It was rare that villages would contact one other. This is most likely due to the amount of land between the villages.
Eventually European settlement affected the Cherokee people politically. This is made evident through the creation of the Cherokee Nation Constitution in 1827. This constitution lays out many governmental components that can be found within the United States as well. For example, the Cherokee Nation created courts within this document. They did not previously have courts and this was a clear example of European influence. There were many others as well.
Politically, the Cherokee people were influenced by the European settlers. The subpages of this section examines the political structure of the Cherokee people prior and following the creation of the Constitution respectively.
Eventually European settlement affected the Cherokee people politically. This is made evident through the creation of the Cherokee Nation Constitution in 1827. This constitution lays out many governmental components that can be found within the United States as well. For example, the Cherokee Nation created courts within this document. They did not previously have courts and this was a clear example of European influence. There were many others as well.
Politically, the Cherokee people were influenced by the European settlers. The subpages of this section examines the political structure of the Cherokee people prior and following the creation of the Constitution respectively.