In general, "totem poles" and "wigwams" were characteristics of the Northwest Indian cultures, since there were no buffalo in the region. Of course these traditions varied slightly with the tribe in question.
We are promised freedom and rights in the constitution (especially the first amendment).
The political machines took bribes, controlled contracts, and they embezzled money.
Their organization was very corrupt.
each of the three branches of government can limit the powers of the others. This way, no one branch becomes too powerful.
