ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the traditional political system. It deals with the various groups which constitute the stuff of political society, all political action within the system being based on them. These groups are the tribe; semi-permanent alliances; groups outside the district and their relation to it; the village; religious groups; minorities; patron-client groups; socio-economic strata; and the formal government. The kin groups, tribes, and alliances are the bases of the traditional political structure; all other groups either reinforce these or are forms relating to them. The tribe is the single most important political group in Al-Karak district. The tribes of the area, differ considerably in relative size, geographical location, mode of livelihood, and degree of political power. Common residence also has political consequences in that it allows for continual contact and development of common interests. The alliances are long-standing political agreements and relationships between equals, or relative equals, and are operative against their opposing structural equal.
