Final answer:
Iroquois lawmakers who represented their tribes were known as sachems. These individuals were key leaders within the council of the Iroquois Confederacy. Option c. is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Iroquois Confederacy operated under a system where tribal representation was led by individuals known as sachems. These esteemed leaders played a pivotal role within the confederacy's governance structure, forming a council composed of representatives from each member tribe. The confederacy comprised the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca nations, each contributing to the collective decision-making process.
The sachems, appointed to the council, wielded considerable influence, shaping the direction and policies of the confederacy. Their selection often followed a hereditary pattern, with sachems frequently chosen from families that had inherited the esteemed position. This practice not only reinforced a sense of continuity but also acknowledged the accumulated wisdom and leadership capabilities passed down through generations.
The council, with its assembly of sachems, functioned as a vital organ of the confederacy's governance. Through collective deliberation and decision-making, it addressed issues affecting the member tribes and orchestrated a unified approach to matters of significance. The sachems, as representatives of their respective tribes, brought forth diverse perspectives to the council, contributing to the rich tapestry of governance within the Iroquois Confederacy. In essence, the sachems and the council exemplified a collaborative model of leadership that honored tradition, heritage, and the collective welfare of the confederacy.