Similarities Between Us Constitution And Iroquois Constitution

The Iroquois Constitution and the Constitution of the United States, written in 1787, have influenced the society Americans live in today. Many people do not associate the United States Constitution with the Iroquois Constitution (visa versa) because a large multitude of people don’t even know that Iroquois Constitution exists. Both documents have similarities and differences that are based upon human equality, personal rights, and security of self and state. Human equality was a huge deal for the leaders of the Five Nations; every rule was based upon individuals being treated with the utmost respect, as long as they earned it. Equality and fair treatment of the clans, doesn’t just fall to those who are native to the Nations either; those

In affiliation to the Iroquois Constitution, a member not holding power, has the ability to make choices for himself and the people. For example, section 93 says that if there is ever an emergency that threatens all the nations and it is brought up to the council by the people, the people now have the chance to make their decision and tell the council what should be done (The Great Binding 93). Marriage is another right that has to be thought out and looked at because of everything involved. Section 43 says that if a man and a woman are of the same exact clan, they can not marry because member of the same clan are displayed as relatives, even if it isn’t by blood (The Great Binding 43). Another right members have is the ability to leave the clan. If a person is adopted into the clan, but later decides that they want to leave, they can; however, if the council calls for them and wants them back, they automatically have to return (The Great Binding 71). Of course there are many more personal rights, but finally, the right to own property and land. The original owners of the land are going to be the same owners until they die and it is moved to the next generation; for years, the ownership of property has been shared and has never changed, so when a foreigner comes in, he/she can not take the owner’s property (The Great Binding 73). Lastly, although it is mostly inferred, the

One way, in which the Iroquois Constitution protects is by taking away their source of weapons. Since peace and nature is the main focus to the Five Nations, the peacemaker will confiscate all weapons and bury them under the Great Peace Tree, which represents unity and balance (The Great Binding 65). They want to keep the steady the minds of the clan members and they don’t want any outbreaks or fights. Now in the case of a war, which would occur if a nation refused to accept the Great Peace, weapons will be handed out to those fighting, but will be taken away as soon as the war is finished (The Great Binding 80, 83). Considering that peace is the primary concern within the nation, protecting the people is a natural instinct, protecting the nation as a whole is the duty of the Constitution. Section 87 states, “When the War of the Five Nations on a foreign rebellious nation is ended, peace shall be restored to that nation by a withdrawal of all their weapons of war by the War Chief of the Five Nations. When all the terms of peace shall have been agreed upon a state of friendship shall be established” (The Great Binding 87). In terms of protection and keeping peace, a home normally represent warmth and family, and no one wants to disturb it. If the owner of a home is absent, they will mark their house or a leave a sign indicating their missing presence (The Great Binding