How many tribes originally constituted the Iroquois Confederacy?

The Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee or the Six Nations, originally consisted of five tribes. These tribes were the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca. This alliance was formed in the early 17th century and was intended to promote peace and cooperation among the tribes. The governance structure was significant as it laid the foundation for democratic principles that influenced later political systems, including elements found in the United States Constitution.

While an additional tribe, the Tuscarora, joined the Confederacy later, the initial formation was built on the collaboration of these original five tribes. Recognizing this historical context is crucial for understanding the significant role that the Iroquois Confederacy played in both indigenous and American governmental structures.