Which group held political power in Mississippian society?

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Study for the GMAS 8th Grade Social Studies Test with focused flashcards and multiple choice questions complete with hints and explanations. Get ready to excel!

Multiple Choice

Which group held political power in Mississippian society?

Explanation:
Political power in Mississippian society rested with the elites. This ruling class, often led by paramount chiefs, controlled land and the labor of farming communities, directed large-scale public works at mound centers, and coordinated the redistribution of surplus goods. Their authority was reinforced by religious legitimacy and ancestor ties, linking political leadership to ritual life. Priests were closely connected to the elite and helped bolster rule, but the ability to govern and mobilize vast labor forces lay with the elite. Commoners performed the labor, and merchants moved goods, but neither held political authority to the same extent.

Political power in Mississippian society rested with the elites. This ruling class, often led by paramount chiefs, controlled land and the labor of farming communities, directed large-scale public works at mound centers, and coordinated the redistribution of surplus goods. Their authority was reinforced by religious legitimacy and ancestor ties, linking political leadership to ritual life. Priests were closely connected to the elite and helped bolster rule, but the ability to govern and mobilize vast labor forces lay with the elite. Commoners performed the labor, and merchants moved goods, but neither held political authority to the same extent.

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