What is the process of decision making in the Grand Council, and what is meant by consensus?

• A. Decisions are imposed by a single ruler with no discussion.
• B. Discussion among the nations, ideas are considered, and leaders must agree before decision is made. Consensus means everyone reached a general agreement.
• C. No defined process; decisions are made randomly.
• D. Consensus means majority vote with no need for general agreement.

Answer: (B)

Decision making in the Grand Council relies on discussion among the nations, where ideas are heard and weighed, and a decision is made only when leaders can reach agreement. Consensus means that the decision has broad support and no nation actively blocks it; everyone can accept the outcome or live with it. This approach values shared input and legitimacy, ensuring decisions reflect collective will rather than being imposed or decided by a simple majority. The other descriptions miss this dynamic: one ruler imposing decisions bypasses discussion, random or undefined processes lack structure, and a majority vote without general agreement doesn’t capture what consensus requires.