[Daring Scylla]

Checks and balances - I like that idea. Not to mention kudos to you for knowing that.

The Elders can influence the Clan leaders and those under them, the Clan leaders can overrule Elders and those under them, the underlings have some very soft form of democratic representation between them - they elect representatives to convey their messages to Clan leaders and argue their cases. The representatives should have some sort of sway over others - perhaps their vote to declare war/arrange marriages, etc.