The settlers of Iceland brought with them the social structures and religion of their home countries. They had no king. Government was by chieftains, and around 930 the Alþingi or parliament was established. There was no executive branch of government to enforce the decisions made; instead those who had to pursue some issue or enforce a verdict, raised support from chieftains to do so. Individuals’ potential for doing so depended largely on the strength of the chieftains who supported them. Lesa meira