This document summarizes the governments and religions of several pre-colonial Native American groups. It discusses that the Cherokee were led by chiefs and governed in villages, with shamans leading religious ceremonies. Creeks had village leaders called micos and religion centered around medicine, ceremonies, and festivals. The Chickasaw elected leaders and had oral traditions explaining life processes. The Aztecs had an emperor governing their empire, demanding tributes, with nature-based beliefs. The Mayans had separate states but a shared culture, with elaborate festivals honoring gods. Olmecs were ruled by powerful priests who built central temples. Mississippi Mound Builders' priests also ruled and constructed huge burial mounds for elaborate