The Iroquois Confederacy's Influence On The Us Constitution

The Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee, is a union of six Native American nations: the Mohawk, Onondaga, Cayuga, Oneida, Seneca, and Tuscarora. The Confederacy, which may be the longest-standing democracy on earth, has been credited with influencing the US Constitution. In 1988, Congress passed a resolution formally acknowledging this influence. Historians and scholars argue that the framers of the US Constitution were inspired by the Iroquois Confederacy's federalist principles, democratic governance, and ability to maintain individual governance while uniting multiple states. The Iroquois Confederacy's concept of unification through mutual defense and its legislative processes are believed to have shaped the founders' thinking.

Explore related products

Constitution of the Iroquois Nations

$14.99

50 Events That Shaped American Indian History: An Encyclopedia of the American Mosaic [2 volumes]

$191.25 $218

An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States (ReVisioning History)

$10.44 $18.95

VALHALLA INDIANS Pocket Folding Knife, Vintage Art Native American Outdoor Survival Knife With 3D Retro Embossed Pattern, Cool EDC Gift For Men

$18.99 $19.99

Leyndo 6ft Thanksgiving Harvest Native American Inflatable Outdoor Decorations Indian Man & Woman Combo Blow up Decoration with LED Lights for Thanksgiving Fall Harvest Garden Lawn Yard Decor

$89.99 $99.99

365 Days Of Walking The Red Road: The Native American Path to Leading a Spiritual Life Every Day (Religion and Spirituality)

$7.99 $10.99

The Iroquois Confederacy's influence on the US Constitution was formally acknowledged by Congress in 1988

The influence of the Iroquois Confederacy on the US Constitution was formally acknowledged by Congress in 1988. The Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee, is a union of six nations: the Mohawk, Onondaga, Cayuga, Oneida, Seneca, and the Tuscarora nation, which joined in 1722. The Confederacy dates back several centuries, founded by the Great Peacemaker, who united these nations under the Great Law of Peace, a doctrine of 117 codicils.

The Iroquois Confederacy was of particular interest to the Founding Fathers as it represented a multi-state government with individual governance and freedoms. The structure of the Confederacy allowed each tribe to handle its own affairs, with the chiefs of each nation meeting to discuss issues of common importance. This inspired the Founding Fathers, who sought to establish a similar union of the original 13 colonies into one republic, with a federal government.

The Iroquois Confederacy's democratic principles and governance inspired the Founding Fathers, who had no contemporary democracies in Europe to draw inspiration from. The Iroquois model of governance, with its focus on unification through mutual defence and the conduct of foreign affairs, was admired. Benjamin Franklin, for example, was impressed by the Great Law of Peace and wrote the Albany Plan of Union, advocating for the colonies to improve security and better defend themselves.

In 1776, during the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress in Philadelphia invited the Iroquois to address, and they were well-received by the patriots. The influence of the Iroquois Confederacy on the US Constitution was recognised by the Senate in 1987, and this influence was formally acknowledged by Congress in 1988. This acknowledgement highlights the impact of the Iroquois Confederacy on the formation and operation of the US government and its democratic principles.

The Iroquois Confederacy was a real-life example of some of the political concepts framers of the US Constitution were interested in adopting

The Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee, is a union of six nations: the Mohawk, Onondaga, Cayuga, Oneida, Seneca, and Tuscarora. It is considered one of the oldest democracies in the world, with its constitution, the Great Law of Peace, dating back to 1142.

The Iroquois Confederacy has been recognised as a source of inspiration for the framers of the US Constitution. In 1987, on the 200th anniversary of the Constitution, The New York Times published an article titled "Iroquois Constitution: A Forerunner to Colonists' Democratic Principles," highlighting the influence of the Iroquois Confederacy on the framers. This influence was further acknowledged by the US Senate in a resolution passed in 1988, which recognised that the US republic "was influenced by the Iroquois Confederacy" and that many of the democratic principles were incorporated into the constitution itself.

The Iroquois Confederacy, with its multi-state government structure, provided a real-life example of some of the political concepts the framers were interested in adopting. At the time of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, there were no contemporary democracies in Europe, and the most democratic forms of government that the convention members had encountered were those of Native American nations, particularly the Iroquois Confederacy.

The Iroquois Confederacy's structure, with each nation maintaining its individual governance while being unified through mutual defence and the conduct of foreign affairs, impressed the framers. They sought to borrow aspects of Iroquois government that enabled the assertion of the people's sovereignty over vast geographic expanses. Benjamin Franklin, a key figure in the formation of the US Constitution, was also influenced by the Iroquois Confederacy. He invited representatives of the Iroquois Nations to various meetings and wrote about the need for the 13 colonies to form a "voluntary Union" similar to that of the Iroquois Confederacy.

While the Iroquois Confederacy provided inspiration for some political concepts, it is important to note that it was not an exact model for the US Constitution. The framers adapted and incorporated aspects that aligned with their vision for a democratic and unified nation.

The Iroquois Confederacy's democratic principles inspired the unification of the original 13 colonies into one republic

The Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee, is a unification of six nations: the Mohawk, Onondaga, Cayuga, Oneida, Seneca, and Tuscarora. It was founded in 1142 by the Great Peacemaker and is governed by a constitution called the Great Law of Peace. The Confederacy is notable for its democratic principles, which have influenced governments around the world, including the United States Constitution.

In 1787, the Founding Fathers of the United States met to create the U.S. Constitution. At the time, there were no contemporary democracies in Europe that could serve as a model. The Founding Fathers had encountered and been influenced by the democratic principles of the Iroquois Confederacy, which was, according to some historians, the most democratic form of government known to them. The Iroquois Confederacy's structure, which allowed individual tribes to handle their own affairs while uniting them for issues of common importance, impressed the Founding Fathers and may have inspired their vision for a unified republic.

The Iroquois Confederacy's democratic principles and form of government were well-known to the Founding Fathers, who had interactions with Native American tribes and invited representatives of the Iroquois Nations to meetings. Benjamin Franklin, in particular, is known to have admired the concepts, principles, and governmental practices of the Iroquois Confederacy. In 1751, Franklin wrote a letter describing the need for the 13 colonies to form a "voluntary Union" similar to that of the Iroquois Confederacy. He also invited Iroquois representatives to the Albany Congress in 1754, where he was impressed by the Great Law of Peace and wrote the Albany Plan of Union, advocating for improved security and defence against foreign powers for the colonies.

The democratic principles of the Iroquois Confederacy influenced the unification of the original 13 colonies into one republic. The Iroquois Confederacy's system of governance, which allowed for individual freedom and self-governance while uniting multiple nations in a confederacy, provided a real-life example of the political concepts the Founding Fathers sought to adopt. Additionally, the Iroquois Confederacy's focus on "unification through mutual defence" and its ability to conduct foreign affairs while maintaining individual tribal governance may have inspired the Founding Fathers' vision for a unified and sovereign nation.

The influence of the Iroquois Confederacy on the unification of the 13 colonies and the democratic principles incorporated into the U.S. Constitution was formally acknowledged by Congress in a resolution passed in 1988. This resolution recognised that the United States republic ""was influenced by the Iroquois Confederacy" and that "many of the democratic principles were incorporated into the constitution itself".

Explore related products

Touchat Native American Blanket Western Decor Boho Throw Blanket for Sofa, Mexican Decorative Farmhouse Blanket, Southwest Decor Woven Blankets, Aztec Throw Blankets with Tassel(Beige,50×60 inch)

$24.99

Spirits of the Earth: A Guide to Native American Nature Symbols, Stories, and Ceremonies

$12 $24

Native American Heritage Month Metal Key Chain for Keys Purse Bags Backpacks Accessories Decor

$6.8

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story

$10.86 $19.99

Plumiss Women Boho Handmade Natural Stone Crystal Leather Bead Wrap Bracelets Collection

$12.89

obmwang Indian Feather Headband Native American Tribal Costumes Head Dress with Feathers for Women and Girls

$5.98

The Iroquois Confederacy's structure represented five tribes that handled their own affairs but came together to solve common issues

The Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee, was a union of five nations: the Mohawk, Onondaga, Cayuga, Oneida, and Seneca. In 1722, the Tuscarora nation joined them, bringing the total number of tribes to six. The Confederacy was founded by the Great Peacemaker, who established the Gayanesshagowa, or the Great Law of Peace, as its governing principle.

The Iroquois Confederacy had a significant impact on the formation of the United States government and the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. The structure of the Confederacy, with its federal nature, influenced the Founders' thinking and provided a real-life example of some of the political concepts they were interested in adopting. Each of the Six Nations ruled themselves and handled their own affairs, but they also came together to solve issues of common importance and to ensure mutual defence and conduct foreign affairs. This concept of "unification through mutual defence" impressed the Founders, who sought to create a strong union of the 13 colonies that could better defend themselves from foreign powers.

The Great Law of Peace, with its 117 codicils, provided a framework for governance that emphasised individual governance and freedoms while also unifying the tribes. This influenced the Founders' desire to create a strong central government while also protecting individual liberties, as outlined in the Bill of Rights. The Iroquois Confederacy's principles of mutual support, sharing, and understanding of common resources also aligned with the Founders' ideals of freedom and unity.

Additionally, the Iroquois Confederacy's governing structure, which included Chiefs, Clan Mothers, and Faith Keepers, may have influenced the design of the U.S. government's regulatory and legislative bodies. The bicameral nature of the Iroquois Confederacy, with its Grand Council of Chiefs, may have influenced the structure of the U.S. Congress. The Clan Mothers, who served for life and had the authority to remove council members, have been compared to a high court, reflecting the judicial branch of the U.S. government.

The influence of the Iroquois Confederacy on the U.S. Constitution was recognised by the U.S. Senate in 1987, during the bicentennial celebrations, and again in 1988 with a resolution acknowledging the impact of the Confederacy on the democratic principles incorporated into the Constitution.

The Iroquois Confederacy's Great Law of Peace influenced the US Constitution

The Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee, is a union of six nations: the Mohawk, Onondaga, Cayuga, Oneida, Seneca, and Tuscarora. The Confederacy was founded by the Great Peacemaker several centuries ago and is governed by the Great Law of Peace, a doctrine of 117 codicils that allows each tribe to handle its own affairs while coming together to address issues of common importance.

In 1988, the US Congress passed a resolution formally acknowledging the influence of the Iroquois Confederacy on the US Constitution. The Iroquois Confederacy has been described as a source of inspiration for the founding fathers of the United States, who were impressed by the Confederacy's ability to maintain individual governance while uniting multiple states. The Iroquois Confederacy provided a real-life example of some of the political concepts that the framers of the US Constitution were interested in adopting, such as federalism and unification through mutual defence.

Benjamin Franklin, a framer of the US Constitution, was particularly influenced by the Iroquois Confederacy. He invited representatives of the Iroquois Nations to the Provincial Council of Pennsylvania in 1744 and the Albany Congress in 1754. At the Albany Congress, Franklin was impressed by the Great Law of Peace and wrote the Albany Plan of Union, which advocated for the colonies to improve security and better defend themselves from foreign powers. Franklin also drew on the wisdom and democratic principles of the Iroquois Confederacy as he struggled to unite the 13 colonies.

In addition, John Adams, another founding father, included the Iroquois Confederacy and other Indigenous governments in a three-volume handbook he wrote for the Constitutional Convention, surveying different types of governments and ideas about government.

The Iroquois Confederacy's concept of focusing on the "seventh generation" when enacting new policies, which prioritises sustainability and long-term decision-making, has also been noted as a potential influence on the US Constitution.

Frequently asked questions