Final answer:
Traditionally, decisions were made by chiefs or kings with the aid of a council. In centralized societies, these leaders held formal authority, while in acephalous societies, council-led consensus was prevalent. The position of chief or king, as well as council membership, was often an inherited or respected role within the community.
Step-by-step explanation:
Decisions in traditional societies were commonly made through various social structures and political systems. In centralized societies, such as chiefdoms and states, a chief or a king was often in charge, aided by a council comprised of community elders, heads of local extended families, and representatives of different societal groups such as youth, women, farmers, and traders. These leaders and councils had the authority to make community decisions and were expected to consult with each other on matters affecting the community.
In acephalous societies, where there was no central authority, councils were the primary means of public decision-making. Leaders in these societies operated on consensus and persuasion, without formal coercive power. Large civilizations with growing populations saw the emergence of officials like priests and kings who commanded obedience from their subjects, offering protection and prosperity in exchange for goods, food, and taxes. This resulted in a hierarchical social structure with specialized labor roles.
Among the Plains groups, for instance, there were both war chiefs, usually younger men, and peace chiefs who were older and more experienced. The peace chiefs wielded more power and, along with councils, led the decision-making process. It was common for war chiefs to gain experience to later become peace chiefs or council members, ensuring stability within the government.