the idea that everyone should have a say
The Iroquois Confederacy had Representative democracy.
the Iroquois
The Declaration of Independence is best described as a statement of democratic principles.
The two terms are necessarily opposite. Democratic is defined as supporting democracy and/or its principles, while nondemocratic is that which does not support or espouse democratic principles.
The five original nations of the Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee, were the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca. These nations formed a political and social alliance to promote peace and cooperation among themselves. Later, the Tuscarora Nation joined the Confederacy, making it the Six Nations. The Iroquois are known for their sophisticated governance system and significant influence on democratic principles.
The Declaration of Independence is best described as a statement of democratic principles.
Supporting democracy or its principles.
Consent between House and Senate
The Natchez and Iroquois had distinct political systems shaped by their cultures and social structures. The Natchez operated under a hierarchical system with a ruling class led by a chief known as the Great Sun, emphasizing lineage and nobility. In contrast, the Iroquois Confederacy was a more egalitarian system, comprising multiple tribes that governed themselves through a council of chiefs, promoting consensus and collective decision-making among the member nations. This difference reflects the Natchez's centralized authority versus the Iroquois's emphasis on democratic principles and cooperation.
The Iroquois League of Nations emphasized principles of unity, cooperation, and collective decision-making among its member tribes, which resonates with the ideals found in various democratic systems and indigenous governance structures. Similar to other indigenous cultures, the Iroquois valued harmony with nature, community welfare, and the importance of consensus in leadership. Additionally, their emphasis on respect for individual voices within a collective framework mirrors certain modern democratic practices that prioritize inclusivity and representation.
The basic principle of democratic rule is that the ruler is chosen by those that are ruled in free and confidential elections.
The Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee, significantly influenced the development of democracy by establishing a sophisticated political system based on principles of collective decision-making and consensus. Their Great Law of Peace emphasized the importance of representation and the voices of various clans, which inspired early American democratic thinkers, including Benjamin Franklin and other Founding Fathers. The Iroquois model of governance also highlighted the role of women in decision-making, further promoting ideas of equality and participation in political processes. This system exemplified a form of democratic governance that preceded and informed the political structures of the United States.