Final answer:
In chiefdoms, positions of leadership such as the chief are typically hereditary, where the role is passed down within the family, rather than elected. Chiefs wield significant powers over multiple facets of society and may consult with councils, but they remain the ultimate authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
Positions in a chiefdom are typically hereditary, as opposed to elected. Hereditary leadership means that the role of the chief is passed down within a family, often from parent to child. This practice of inheriting positions of power differs from elected roles, which are typically for a fixed term and chosen by some form of voting. In chiefdoms, chiefs often have significant control over various aspects of society such as economic, political, religious, and military affairs. These leaders also engage in activities essential to the community, such as organizing infrastructure, providing protection, and conducting rituals that are believed to ensure agricultural productivity and community prosperity.
The consolidation of power within hereditary lines can lead to the formation of a royal lineage, with one family emerging as the dominant ruling class. Chiefs may also consult with a council of community elders and other social groups, yet the ultimate authority often resides with the chief. As chiefdoms evolve, they might become more stratified, with social groups ranked by wealth and power, and their leaders might gain the title of king when their domain encompasses multiple ethnic groups or forms a regional empire.