The term "Five Nations" typically refers to the five Native American tribes that formed a confederation known as the Iroquois League, which includes the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca nations. This alliance was established to promote peace, cooperation, and mutual defense among the tribes in what is now the northeastern United States. The Iroquois League played a significant role in the region's history, influencing both Native American and European relations. Their governance system, which emphasized consensus and collective decision-making, is often cited as an early example of democratic principles that later influenced the formation of the United States government.