I am aware that most historians do not like to compare post-industrial revolution concepts such as capitalism and socialism to historical societies, presumably this would be an example of such a practice.
Could the system of government the Haudenosaunee people had be compared to any other forms of government?
The citation for this claim on Wikipedia is as follows: Zinn, Howard (1992). Columbus, the Indians, & Human Progress: 1492-1992.
The Haudenosaunee system is difficult to categorize with modern terms.
The socialist claim is apt, clothing, food and shelter were shared freely, generosity being one of the primary cultural virtues. Even now there are people who grow corn for the community, hunters who share their bounty with the old timers in the village. It was not however marxist style socialism, which some people claim, it was it’s own thing.
The libertarian claim is poorer. It is semi-true in that there were no taxes and people were not compelled to action by threat of physical pressure from the government, however there were obligations to the community and social pressures, if the council tells you to do something people will look down on you if you don’t at least try your best. In lieu of taxes people were expected to serve the community, this goes against the libertarian claim but ties in with the socialist point, there was a policy similar to the communist ideal of “from each according to their means.” You do what you can for the community, whatever that might be.
As to whether it could be compared to other former of government, yes it can be compared to many forms of government.
Historically it was compared to monarchy, you can find sources who speak of the kings of the Iroquois. The delegation to England in 1710 was known as the four Mohawk kings. To describe it as a monarchy is a misrepresentation, but it does have similarities, hereditary leadership etc.
Then there are comparisons to democracy which are similar to the socialist claims in that it is fair to call it a democracy but it very much isn’t a European style democracy, it’s its own thing. A form of Consensus based democracy.
To cut a long story short, the Haudenosaunee system is its own thing, it’s similar enough to other systems to draw comparisons, but it’s different enough that any categorizations or generalizations lose the forest for the trees. None of the standard terms present an accurate image. It is the Iroquoian system.
Source: I am from Six Nations. We still exist, to some extent our old government still exists.