The duties and privileges of every member of the Mohawk Nation were clearly laid out in Gayanashagowa or the Great Binding Law of the Iroquois / Six Nations Confederation.

A key basis of Mohawk community structure rested with Clan Mothers. The Clan Mothers are known as Gontowisas. It was they who met in council to decide which of their male relatives would become Sachem (Chief). If the chosen Sachem proved unworthy, the Clan Mothers had the power to chastise him. They could also take his title away and bestow it upon another male relative.

The Mohawk traced their ancestry through the matrilineal line, with children automatically belonging to their mother's clan. The women eligible to become Clan Mothers were called "Royaneh," a term best translated as "noble." Royaneh women passed down their title to their daughters.

The word "Sachem" is often translated as "Chief," though "Lord" may be more accurate. It was the Sachem's duty to uphold the laws of the clan and the Confederacy. He acted as arbitrator of disputes between clan members. He attended tribal and Six Nations councils. To help him carry out day-to-day clan affairs, the Clan Mothers appointed a War Chief.

The War Chief's duty was threefold; he carried out the Sachem's wishes, he led the warriors in wartime, and he served as a check to the Sachem's power. He listened to people's concerns and brought them to the Sachem's attention. Furthermore, if the Clan Mothers were displeased with the Sachem, it was the War Chief's duty to tell him so. If the Clan Mothers became unhappy with the way the War Chief carried out his duty, they could take away his title and give it to another male relative.

All Mohawk belonged to extended families or clans named for spirit ancestors. Some Mohawk clans were Great Bear, Painted Turtle, and Standing Rock. All the members of a clan were considered close relatives. One couldn't marry a member of one's own clan. This taboo applied to members of the same name clan within the Six Nations Confederacy.

Men's and women's councils were held separately. Every man and woman was expected to attend. They discussed matters relating to the welfare of the clan. The councils relayed their decisions to the War Chief, who made sure they were taken up with the Sachem or the Federation council. The men's and women's councils also had the power to remove the Sachem and the War Chief if necessary. If this happened, the Clan Mothers chose the replacement.