What characterizes the political order in bands and tribes?

The political order in bands and tribes is characterized by being embedded within the overall social order, reflecting the way these small-scale societies function. In such societies, political authority is not a separate or defined institution; rather, it is intertwined with kinship, social relationships, and cultural practices. Decisions are often made through consensus and community involvement rather than through formalized legal systems or government structures. This embeddedness means that political roles often emerge from social roles, and leaders usually gain their influence through personal attributes, communal respect, or the ability to maintain harmony rather than through coercive means. Understanding this characteristic helps clarify why bands and tribes operate differently from larger, more complex societies with distinct political institutions.