Which of these statements best describes why the Iroquois used a tree as a symbol in the Iroquois Constitution?
Roots have spread out from the Tree of the Great Peace, one to the north, one to the east, one to the south and one to the west. The name of these roots is The Great White Roots and their nature is Peace and Strength. If any man or any nation outside the Five Nations shall obey the laws of the Great Peace and make known their disposition to the Lords of the... they shall be welcomed to take shelter
beneath the Tree of the Long Leaves.
-The Iroquois Constitution
Trees, like peace treaties, are sometimes weak and cannot weather storms.
Trees, like peace treaties, can stand up to any storm.
Trees have strong roots and can provide protection for all those who are part of the alliance.
Trees have many branches, as do peace alliances.
The best statement that describes why the Iroquois used a tree as a symbol in the Iroquois Constitution is: "Trees have strong roots and can provide protection for all those who are part of the alliance."
To arrive at this answer, we can analyze the provided passage from the Iroquois Constitution. It states that the roots of the Tree of the Great Peace spread out in different directions, symbolizing peace and strength. It also mentions that anyone who obeys the laws and expresses their disposition to the Lords of the Five Nations, can find shelter beneath the Tree of the Long Leaves.
From this information, we can infer that the tree represents a solid foundation, similar to strong roots, which can provide protection and shelter to those who follow the laws of the Great Peace. This aligns with the statement that trees have strong roots and can provide protection for all those who are part of the alliance.