political+science

Lloyd

The Cree people lived in small bands or hunting groups. The Plains Cree governed themselves with laws and customs passed down from generation to generation. The political leader of a Cree tribe was known as the chief. People chose a leader based on his ability to take care of others and make good decisions for the tribe. Sometimes the son of a chief might be chosen after the death of a leader, but a person's qualities were most important in being chief (as well as their gender, since chiefs were traditionally male). . Besides the chief, there was a council to make decisions for the band. The chief made the final decision with the support of the council leaders. There were both civil chiefs and war chiefs. Although civil chiefs held the most responsibility over day-to-day life, war chiefs took over the affairs of a band during times of conflict. A war chief was aided by the ("warriors") and a society made up of the bravest men, known as the ("worthy young men"). An elder and spiritual leader was often chosen to oversee activities such as moving a camp, while a crier relayed information to the people.

The idea of their culture was shared. They tried to show respect for each other by using the idea of not interfering with each other. This meant that each person was responsible for his or her actions. Some Cree people were regarded to have more power both in the hunting and spiritual areas. These people influenced others and were considered to be leaders. These leaders would lead group hunts, raids and trading. They were also expected to lead by example and honor.

Cree Chief Poundmaker Cree Chief Big Bear

The political leader of the plains Cree tribe was known as the

A. President B. Prime minister C. Chief D. Warrior