Non-fiction: Native Americans The Iroquois Nation Native Americans The Iroquois Nation Did you ever wonder where the United States got its form of government? You might assume that it was based on the governments of Europe. However, some people believe that there was another strong influence 1. They think that a group of Native Americans known as the Iroquois Nation may have been an inspiration 2. The Iroquois Nation was formed before Europeans arrived in the Americas. It was made up of the following tribes: the Mohawk, the Oneida, the Onondaga, the Cayuga, the Seneca and the Tuscarora. These tribes were among the most powerful in the Americas. They controlled the fur trade and boat travel on the Great Lakes. They lived in long houses in Upper New York State. The new Iroquois Nation wrote its own constitution. It was called the Great Law of Peace. Each tribe contributed 3 representatives to a central government. This central government was known as the League of Nations. Important issues were debated in the Council of the League of Nations. Each representative got a vote. Women also played an important role in the early Iroquois Nation. Even though most chiefs were men, women sat on the League Council. They helped make decisions. During Council meetings, all were allowed a chance to speak. Both men and women voted. 1 influence: something or someone that affects how you think or behave 2 inspiration: something or someone that makes you want to do something 3 contributed: gave or sent 1
Questions: Native Americans The Iroquois Nation Name: Date: 1. What is the main idea of this passage? a. The Iroquois Nation was powerful group of tribes in New York. b. Iroquois women had power in their government. c. Some people think our government is based on the Iroquois government. d. The Iroquois nation was made up of six tribes. 2. What was the Iroquois constitution called? a. The Constitution b. The Original Constitution c. The Great Law of Peace d. The Great Rule of Peace 3. How is our government like the Iroquois government? a. No one is allowed to vote. b. Women do not have any power. c. No one has freedom of speech. d. People represent groups and debate issues. 4. What do you think was the author s purpose in writing this passage? a. to make readers uncomfortable b. to get readers attention c. to teach readers something they might not have known d. to entertain readers 5. Based on the passage it was likely that the Iroquois Nation a. was extremely influential b. had a small population of people c. did not respect women d. believed that only men should vote 2
Questions: Native Americans The Iroquois Nation 6. Why do you think the passage begins with a question? 7. Based on the passage, were women respected in the Iroquois Nation? Why or why not? 8. The question below is an incomplete sentence. Choose the word that best completes the sentence. Some people think that the Iroquois Nation may have inspired our government as they had representatives who were allowed to vote. a. therefore b. by c. particularly d. but 9. Answer the following questions based on the sentence below. During debates, all representatives of the Council of the League of Nations voted to decide important issues. Who? representatives of the Council of the League of Nations What? When? Why? 10. Vocabulary Word: influence: something or someone that affects how you think or behave Use the vocabulary word in a sentence: 3
Answers: Native Americans The Iroquois Nation Passage Reading Level: Lexile 640 Teacher Guide and Answers Featured Text Structure: Descriptive the writer explains, defines or illustrates a concept or topic Passage Summary: This passage describes the government in the Iroquois Nation, and its possible influence on the form of government in the United States of America today. 1. What is the main idea of this passage? a. The Iroquois Nation was powerful group of tribes in New York. b. Iroquois women had power in their government. c. Some people think our government is based on the Iroquois government. d. The Iroquois nation was made up of six tribes. 2. What was the Iroquois constitution called? a. The Constitution b. The Original Constitution c. The Great Law of Peace d. The Great Rule of Peace 3. How is our government like the Iroquois government? a. No one is allowed to vote. b. Women don t have any power. c. No one has freedom of speech. d. People represent groups and debate issues. 4. What do you think was the author s purpose in writing this passage? a. to make readers uncomfortable b. to get readers attention c. to teach readers something they might not have known d. to entertain readers 5. Based on the passage it was likely that the Iroquois Nation a. was extremely influential b. had a small population of people c. did not respect women d. believed that only men should vote 6. Why do you think the passage begins with a question? Suggested answer: The passage opens with a question to spark interest and allow readers to relate to the text. 4
Answers: Native Americans The Iroquois Nation 7. Based on the passage, were women respected in the Iroquois Nation? Why or why not? Suggested answer: Women were respected because the passage states that they played an important role, helped make decisions, and were allowed a chance to speak. 8. The question below is an incomplete sentence. Choose the word that best completes the sentence. Some people think that the Iroquois Nation may have inspired our government as they had representatives who were allowed to vote. a. therefore b. by c. particularly d. but 9. Answer the following questions based on the sentence below. During debates, all representatives of the Council of the League of Nations voted to decide important issues. Who? representatives of the Council of the League of Nations What? voted When? during debates Why? to decide important issues 10. Vocabulary Word: influence: something or someone that affects how you think or behave Use the vocabulary word in a sentence: answers may vary. 5