Sachems

A Sachem's primary role was to look out for their people- this included ensuring there was enough food (they would encourage sharing food and having feasts), orphans were looked after, protecting their people (making the tribe look strong and giving speeches in the time of war), and enforcing justice. In regards to justice, Sachems were responsible for family disputes (which cut down on revenge killings) and for assigning punishments (often the punishments- beatings or whipping- were executed by the Sachem's own hand)

Sachems were expected to follow the will of their people and make decisions that they would support. They were also expected to listen to others, then give an opinion, which was respected. They often used “gentle persuasion” and other methods to get ideas to be respected. In regards to their personal life, they married in order to extend their influence.  

Growing up, they would look to the older Sachems to see how they were leading and follow their example, as well as observed councils. Besides that, they were raised very similarly to the rest of those in the tribe- hunting, fishing, crafting and fighting

Sachems received a tribute, and they used it to carry out roles as well as using it to better their own lives to some extent. This included things like better living quarters and better nutrition.  They would also use it to host other political figures and provide for their tribes.  For instance, they might help raise orphans or put on a feast.  

Sachems lived in a watu that was also their political headquarters, where they were often visited by ambassadors, couriers, petitioners and others who wanted to talk. Some would stay for a meal or longer, or sometimes even overnight. A sachem and his wives provided hospitality for other political figures, often by giving food and or a place to stay

Councils also often met at the Sachem's house, and the building itself was just like other people in the tribe's houses, as it was made the same way and of the same size.

Occasionally, the Sachem's power was divided into Peace Chief and War Chief. For example, the Narragansett tribe, at one point, had the elder sachem functioning as the peace chief. He was named Canonicus, and he oversaw domestic affairs, while the younger sachem, called Miantonomi, functioned as the war chief. He led people in war and dealt with outside tribes.

Although there are chiefs & sub-chiefs who hold positions of power, the tribal government system is ​not​ a monarchy. They rule as a democracy more so than anything, as the people have many opportunities to utilize their voices within the community. Each Sachem has practiced this relationship with their peoples.

The term​ Sauncksqua​ referred to the wife of a Sachem ​or​ a female Sachem. Today, though, female leaders are called Sachems just as men are. Even during the time of the English patriarchy, the Natives made sure that women were involved in important affairs.