Form of sociopolitical organization intermediate between the tribe and the state; kin-based with differential access to resources and a permanent political structure. A rank society in which relations among villages as well as among individuals are unequal, with smaller villages under the authority of leaders in larger villages; has a two-level settlement hierarchy.

a form of sociopolitical organization society that operates on the principle of ranking, i.e. differential social status. It intermediates between the tribe and the state.

a hierarchically organized society that lacks the strong central governmental apparatus characteristic of a true state

a regional polity in which two or more local groups are organized under a single chief, who is at the head of a ranked hierarchy of people

A political unit, headed by a chief, integrating more than one community but not necessarily the whole society.

A term used to describe a society that operates on the principle of ranking, i.e. differential social status. The chiefdon generally has a permanent ritual and ceremonial center, as well as be characterized by local specialization in crafts.

a society of several thousand individuals organized on institutionalized lines of hierarchical lineages ruled over by a chief

Societies headed by important individuals with unusual ritual, political, or entrepreneurial skills. The societies tend to be kin-based, but is more hierarchical, with power concentrated in the hands of powerful kin leaders, who are responsible for the redistribution of resources.

Widely diffused pattern of social organization in the Americas; featured chieftains who ruled from central towns over a large territory including smaller towns or villages that paid tribute; predominant town often featured temples and priest class. (p. 203)