It is of interest to note that when the central government was destroyed, the people divided "into tribes, every man according to his family and his kindred and friends." (3 Nephi 7:2.) The strong family ties indicated here are reminiscent of the emphasis of the early Hebrews on the family. After the appearance of the resurrected Jesus Christ to these people, they again have a strong central government for over three hundred years. However, after that time, the government begins to disintegrate and by the close of the Book of Mormon almost complete anarchy exists. Apparently after A.D. 400 the people divide into tribes again, for this is the system of government they had when the white man came almost 1,000 years later.