In which social structure are tribal decisions typically made by a limited number of elders?

• A. Tribal societies
• B. Urban/Metropolitan societies
• C. Peasant societies
• D. Nomadic societies

Answer: (A)

Authority in tribal structures is typically concentrated in a small council of elders. These elders are respected for age, experience, and knowledge of customs, kinship ties, and traditional laws. Decisions arise from their deliberations and aim to reflect long-standing norms and communal harmony, often through consensus or agreed procedures. This elder-led pattern gives tribal communities a stable, venerable means of guiding disputes, resource use, and community decisions without formal bureaucratic institutions.

In contrast, urban or metropolitan settings rely on formal organizations, elected officials, and bureaucratic processes; peasant arrangements often center on landowners or local patrons rather than an elder council; and nomadic groups may have a leader or a different authority system, with influence not strictly defined as a small elder bloc.