Answer:
Thing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The thing was the prehistoric assembly of Germanic and Norse councils. It was attended by free men from the community and was led by law readers who were familiar with previously decided laws. Today, the term is used in the name of many political and legal bodies in Northern Europe.
The Things met at regular intervals and elected chiefs and kings, and condemned them according to the laws remembered by the law-readers. In practice, the councils were dominated by the most influential and wealthy, but in theory they operated on a voice and man basis.