The Iroquois Way—America’s true democratic roots—dates back to 1142 when Iroquois Great Law of Peace 
was created. It established a democracy among the once-warring tribes of the Seneca, Cayuga, Oneida, Onondaga, and Mohawk, which became known as the Iroquois Confederacy. The Tuscarora joined the Confederacy later.
Their constitution was written on a Wampum belt. Here are several elements from the U.S. constitution that were inspired by the Confederacy’s governing style:
Limiting members from holding more than one office (Article 1, Section 6, Clause 2)
Detailing processes to remove leaders (Article 2, Section 4)
Designating two branches of legislature with procedures for passing laws (Article 1, Section 1)
Outlining who has the power to declare war (Article 1, Section 8, Clause 11)
Creating a balance of power between the Confederacy and the individual tribes (The different duties of the three branches of government: legislative (Congress), executive (president) and judicial (Supreme Court) balance and separate the powers of government.
Years later, Onondaga leader Canassatego urged the 13 colonies to unite just as the Iroquois had. Ben Franklin printed the speech.
“We heartily recommend Union and a good agreement between you, our Brethren,” Canassatego implored. “Never disagree, but preserve a strict friendship for one another, and thereby you, as well as we, will become the stronger. Our wise forefathers established Union and Amity between the Five Nations; this has made us formidable; this has given us great Weight and Authority with our neighboring Nations. We are a powerful Confederacy; and, by your observing the same methods our wise Forefathers have taken, you will acquire fresh Strength and Power; therefore whatever befalls you, never fall out one with another.”