New Echota, GA - A Virtual Tour
Tribal Council
Now standing inside the front door, you can see the many wood benches where the people sat observing (and participating) in the tribal government. To the left is the platform where the leaders sat and presented their ideas. Both floors of the Tribal Council are nearly identical.
The organization of the tribal council is bicameral (having two legislative bodies), much like the US government House and Senate. The matters brought before the council had to be approved by the tribal representatives in both "houses" and the Principal Chief had the final vote and veto power. The tribe had two Principal Chiefs, one presided during times of peace, and the other presided during times of war. They understood the importance of not allowing the "President" and the "Commander in Chief" to be the same person.