Final answer:
The Iroquois Confederacy was progressive for its time due to its democratic governance that included checks and balances and separation of powers, influencing the U.S. Constitution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Iroquois Confederacy was considered progressive at the time of its creation due to its sophisticated system of governance which incorporated democratic principles such as checks and balances, separation of power, and the influence it had on the founding fathers of the United States. The Confederacy, made up of the Mohawk, Seneca, Onondaga, Oneida, Cayuga, and later the Tuscarora tribes, known as the Haudenosaunee, functioned through a council of sachems chosen from each nation. These leaders demonstrated a unique form of representative government that predated the formation of the United States.
Notably, the constitution of the Iroquois Confederacy inspired figures like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, who admired its principles. Historians maintain that aspects of this constitution were woven into the U.S. Constitution, recognizing a historical connection and impact between the governance of the Iroquois and the foundational documents of American democracy. Furthermore, the Confederacy’s long-lasting political significance and its military and economic alliances with European colonizers showcase its progressive nature in both diplomacy and organization.