from Iroquois Constitution
0 General Document comments
0 Sentence and Paragraph comments
0 Image and Video comments
PRIMARY SOURCEfrom The Iroquois Constitution
In the 15th century, five separate nations of Iroquois—Mohawk, Seneca, Cayuga, Oneida, and Onondaga—united to form the League of Five Nations. The purpose of the Iroquois League was to end internal warfare and to form a strong alliance against outside enemies. To further their goals, the league created a constitu- tion, called the Great Binding Law, that consisted of 117 individual laws and cus- toms governing all aspects of life—from self-government and war to family rela- tionships, religion, symbolism, and burial rites. In the following excerpt, the speaker Dekanawidah is the great Mohawk leader credited with establishing the Great Peace among the nations. He speaks to Adodarhoh, leader of the Onondaga. In this English translation, the term Lord means “chief.”
Close Reading Activity:
Directions: This is worth 10 points. Please make sure that you follow the directions closely
1. Write directly on the passage! (2 Points)-Write at least two questions in the margins as you re-read. Write at least two opinions in the margins: you might write your opinion of a character, an idea, the writing style, etc.
My opinion of the writing style is that it is a little confusing and, honestly, not very endearing to read. However, this is understandable, as this passage is supposed to be a collection of laws and not a story (even though some elements of it, such as the tree, could be turned into a very wonderful story).
2. Word meaning (2 Points): Determine the meanings of words and references. Also, note (and verify) interesting connotations of words. Look up two words you do not know or which are used in unfamiliar ways. (Laziness in this step will inevitably result in diminished comprehension.) Write the definition of the word. Explain how it is being used in the story.
3. Figurative Language (2 Points): The Tree of the Great Peace has both literal and figurative meanings. Discuss some of the things it might symbolize to the Iroquois.
I saw the Tree of Peace as more of a coming together from branched roots.
The tree might symbolize general peace (even peace that would result from the Iroquois Constitution) and how the Iroquois could take shelter in that peace. The tree may also symbolize the Iroquois Constitution itself, how the Iroquois could find peace in the Constitution, and how they could learn to trust it.
1 I am Dekanawidah and with the Five Nations’ Confederate Lords I plant the Tree of the Great Peace. I plant it in your territory, Adodarhoh, and the Onondaga Nation, in the territory of you who are Firekeepers.
What are Fire keepers? And why is the of the Great Peace so important?
What are the Firekeepers and what role does Dekanawidah play in this article?
What are the fire keepers?
These are kind of cool names. I wonder if they have a cool meaning.
Who is Adodarhoh, and what are Firekeepers? Do they do anything special?
Dekanawidah was actually a real person. In fact, some iroquois actually avoid using his name except for special circumstances
Where was the tree planted other than “in your territory”
What are firekeepers? What importance do they play in the story?
The tree is a sort of symbol. It is a representative of the newly established peace as well as the gathering of the confederation.
What is The Tree of the Great Peace?
The way I like to think of federations and confederation is that a federation is a group of individual states with a lesser, collective government, and a confederation is a group of individual states with a greater, collective power. The government has less power in a confederation and more in a federation, and states have more power in confederation and less in a federation.
Was there an actual tree that they planted, or was this just a metaphor?
My opinion of why the Firekeepers were so highly honored is that people who were not of the Firekeepers may have believed that these people had special powers that controlled fire or other elements of the universe.
I name the tree, the Tree of the Great Long Leaves. Under the shade of this Tree of the Great Peace we spread the soft white feathery down of the globe thistle as seats for you, Adodarhoh, and your cousin Lords.
A globe thistle are like dandelions. They have thistle but with a more elegant and fancy color.
It’s showing how the Confederacy is. The role is important but you need stick to it as hard as you can.
A globe thistle is a thistle with a round flower like the globe.
I took this as them saying, “We are open to anyone who would like to join our confederation.”
I like the description in this sentence, it creates the image of a huge tree with beautiful, full, green leaves.
A globe thistle is a plant that has a round tip on it that looks like a globe, most of which are purple or white.
I think it was called the Tree of the Great Long Leaves because it was big with a lot of leaves and brought shade.
Why did only one person name the tree, did he or she have some kind of honor too? It seems as if the tree was only for a few people, is this true?
“Feathery” is used in an unfamiliar way in this sentence. One of the meanings of “feathery” is “resembling feathers; light; airy; unsubstantial” (“Feathery”). I did not know this definition of “feathery” until now.
“Feathery” is being used in this story to create imagery and explain the texture of the globe thistle down.
Works Cited:
“Feathery”. Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 14 Sept. 2016.
We place you upon those seats, spread soft with the feathery down of the globe thistle, there beneath the shade of the spreading branches of the Tree of Peace. There shall you sit and watch the Council Fire of the Confederacy of the Five Nations, and all the affairs of the Five Nations shall be transacted at this place before you, Adodarhoh, and your cousin Lords, by the Confederate Lords of the Five Nations.
The “tree” in this sense is being used figuratively, symbolizing the peace established between them.
The word transacted.
To me it sounds like it means its a synonym for return or replace by being used in the sentence with context clues.
Actual Meaning: To carry or conduct of conclusion of settlement.
I didn’t know what feathery down was, so I hope this counts as looking up a word I didn’t know. Down feathers are really fine feathers that are really, really soft.
Transacted: to carry on business.
2 Roots have spread out from the Tree of the Great Peace, one to the north, one
The way they describe the tree is making it sounds more of a huge oak or maple tree, providing lots of shade, and ginormous roots.
to the east, one to the south and one to the west. The name of these roots is The
I like the way the sentence explains the direction of the tree’s roots. It made me imagine the tree as a sort of compass.
Great White Roots and their nature is Peace and Strength.
If any man or any nation outside the Five Nations shall obey the laws of the Great Peace and make known their disposition to the Lords of the Confederacy, they may trace the Roots to the Tree and if their minds are clean and they are obedient and promise to obey the wishes of the Confederate Council, they shall be welcomed to take shelter beneath the Tree of the Long Leaves.
That is a good thought, I didn’t even think of that!
I believe what the person is trying to say is if you are calm and so on then you will be able to go to the tree. But If your thoughts are full of nonsense or you are not doing the right things then you won’t be able to go to the tree. Or something like that.
Why does he mention Lords and Cousin Lords?
I was uncertain as to the exact meaning of “disposition” in this sentence. One of the meanings of “disposition” — as, I believe, it is implicated in this sentence — is “state of mind regarding something; inclination” (“Disposition”).
“Disposition” is being used in this story to aid in the explanation of what a person must do in order to gain lodging underneath the tree.
Works Cited:
“Disposition”. Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 14 Sept. 2016.
I think the word disposition is a word used to offend someone, like their not included.
Actual meaning: Out of position or misplaced.
A person’s inherent qualities of mind and character.
I believe that they had to let everyone know their intentions and change their beliefs to co-inside with the conferderacy
I think this was a very great tree that it would be so protected.
Disposition: the attitude or mood of a person or animal.
We place at the top of the Tree of the Long Leaves an Eagle who is able to see afar. If he sees in the distance any evil approaching or any danger threatening he will at once warn the people of the Confederacy. . . .
Is the eagle the watcher of the people?
Confederacy – an alliance of people or groups formed for an illicit purpose.
6I, Dekanawidah, appoint the Mohawk Lords the heads and the leaders of
the Five Nations Confederacy. The Mohawk Lords are the founda- tion of the Great Peace and it shall, therefore, be against the Great Binding Law to pass measures in the Confederate Council after the Mohawk Lords have protested against them.
I think The Tree of Great Peace represent how America and the Confederacy is and should be. It should bring peace to the nation and make sure that it continues to be a better place.
No council of the Confederate Lords shall be legal unless all the Mohawk Lords are present. . . .
Connections (2 Points): What advantages do you think the Iroquois gained by establishing the constitution? What disadvantages, if any, might there have been?
They were able to get some people who will back them up on what they are trying to do to keep the country and the nation safe. They are able to keep it a great place.
I think the advantages the Iroquois gained were:
1. better established relationships among the Iroquois
2. more assurance of peace between the Iroquois in the future
3. more assurance of help when needed among the Iroquois
The only disadvantage that I can think of is that some Iroquois may have felt less freedom because of the League.
There were many advantages to this treaty between them, one of the most prominent being that it made them realize that they would be a greater force together vs. disbanded.
I would say the Iroquois have more assurance with their connections for peace and protection as they grow in the future.
I think that the Iroquois constitution was an all around benefit. The native tribes grew much stronger and us Americans saw that. I think the biggest benefit was more of a benefit to us. We saw how a correct government should be run and how much of an example they were. Their confederate was formed on peace and voluntary conformity rather than was and enslavement.
9All the business of the Five Nations Con-federate Council shall be
conducted by the two combined bodies of Confederate Lords. First the question shall be passed upon by the Mohawk and Seneca Lords, then it shall be discussed and passed by the Oneida and Cayuga Lords. Their decisions shall then be referred to the Onondaga Lords (Firekeepers) for final judgment.
It is interesting how much initial reflection this document needs before being fully established. It seems as if they put a lot of time into making sure things go exactly as planned. It makes me wonder who was in charge of planning the construction of this document, if it was Dekanawidah himself, or rather a group of people?
What is the question that is passed?
The same process shall obtain when a question is brought before the council by an individual or a War Chief.
from Arthur C. Parker, The Constitution of the Five Nations or the Iroquois Book of the Great Law (New York State Museum Bulletin). Reprinted in William N. Fenton, ed., Parker on the Iroquois (Syracuse, N. Y.: Syracuse University Press, 1968), 30–60.
Connections (4 Points): Some historians claim that the Iroquois constitu- tion had an influence on the U.S. Constitution. Look briefly at the U.S. Constitution below and highlight two similarities and two differences between the two constitutions. Explain why they are similarities.
Both the United States and Iroquois constitutions are able to pass rules regarding the welfare and stability of their respected nations. Also, both the United States Congress and the Five Nations Confederate Council are separated into two different groups in each decision, with the Iroquois being split into two groups of three and one group of one and congress split into one group of three bodies and one group of individuals.
But I do know that United States Constitution can or is much bigger than most of the other ones. Though this is all I know.
Similarities: They are committed to trying to make the nation/world a better place and bring peace to it. They both have backup trying to help with what they are trying to do.
Differences: The U.S. has a much bigger group of people to help out while the Iroquois Tribes do not. In the Iroquois Tribes, they use lots of imagery in telling what they are going to do. The U.S. doesn’t use much imagery but instead, they get more to the point and more detailed with what they are going to do.
Difference – I think the United States Constitution is longer and has more parts.
Similarities – They both are trying to make the world a better place.
Other than the United States constitution being much longer than the Iroquois constitution, they are similar in the way that the goal is ultimately to unite the people.
The one big difference I see between the two is the approach. The Native Americans have more of a metaphorical, and figurative way of conveying their thought. While the U.S. constitution outlined each particular detail as to how the citizens should obey.
I saw that sort of 3 court system up above. They needed 3 approvals for something to work just like our branches. They also invited people to join them like us. We made ours a lot longer and complicated, and we were a lot more outright with our laws on whats aloud, what we can’t do, etc.
The US Constitution is much larger than the Iroquois Constitution. The Iroquois Constitution is more reliant on trust from all people for each other.
The US Constitution and the Iroquois Constitution are both set to help better the communities they were created for and made it so that certain officials could make laws to better the welfare of everyone.
Both are trying to make the world a safe place and both have leaders. The U.S. Constitution is much bigger and you have to have requirements to be a part of it.
United States Constitution:
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Article I (Article 1 - Legislative)
Section 1
All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.
Section 2
1: The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature.
2: No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the Age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen.
They differences between mainly all tribes is that usually they only consist of one main leader, who is passed down by dynasty.
Here in the U.S we have re-elections and anybody can participate in this, only by following the rule of what the highlighted paragraphs says. There fore our Constitutions are different because they don’t always rely one leader only.
The similarity is that we all made a kind of Constitution for peace and freedom or protection for one another. With a Constitution we can all look back on, to remember or recognize or show how that tribe or country runs by.
3: Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons.2 The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct. The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one Representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled to chuse three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New-York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina five, and Georgia three.
These sentences reveal a similarity between the Iroquois Constitution and the United States Constitution. They are similar in that each state/nation has representatives in the House of Representatives or among the League of Five Nations.
4: When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies.
These sentences reveal a difference between the two constitutions. When there was a vacancy of some of the Mohawk Lords among the League of Five Nations, the League would not proceed with anything “legal” until the members were present, but, in the case of vacancies, the House of Representatives would elect people to fill those vacancies (“The Iroquois Constitution”).
5: The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment.
Section 3
1: The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof,3 for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote.
2: Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes. The Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, of the second Class at the Expiration of the fourth Year, and of the third Class at the Expiration of the sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year; and if Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such Vacancies.4
3: No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen.
4: The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided.
5: The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the Absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the Office of President of the United States.
6: The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present.
These sentences reveal both a similarity and a difference between the Iroquois Constitution and the United States Constitution. They are similar in that vacancies among the League/Senate affect what can take place or be discussed. They are different in that when there were vacancies of the Mohawk Lords among the League of Nations, there could be no discussion that was “legal” (“The Iroquois Constitution”). However, as long as two-thirds of the Senate remained, a President could “be convicted” (“United States Constitution”).
7: Judgment in Cases of impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law.
...
Section 8
1: The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;
2: To borrow Money on the credit of the United States;
3: To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;
4: To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;
5: To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;
6: To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States;
7: To establish Post Offices and post Roads;
8: To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;
9: To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;
10: To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations;
11: To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;
12: To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;
13: To provide and maintain a Navy;
14: To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;
15: To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;
16: To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;
17: To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;—And
18: To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.
Section 9
1: The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a Tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person.
2: The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.
3: No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.
4: No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or Enumeration herein before directed to be taken.7
5: No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.
6: No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another: nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in another.
7: No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time.
8: No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.
Section 10
1: No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility.
2: No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it's inspection Laws: and the net Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the Treasury of the United States; and all such Laws shall be subject to the Revision and Controul of the Congress.
3: No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any Duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay.
General Document Comments 0
The two constitutions are similar because they both install rules for the leaders of the nations/country to follow.
icons on the left to see existing comments.
0 archived comments