All the boys are British and have been taught by their parents and schools to view themselves as civilized young men. As such, they initially attempt to form a civilized system for their new makeshift society on the island, with their ultimate goal being aimed at getting rescued.
The boys determine that Ralph will be chief, since he was the one who blew the conch to gather them together at the start. The truth is, there really isn't a boy on the island who has all the needed qualities to lead them successfully, but Ralph is probably the best choice they have. Although Piggy has the brains, he just isn't a socially acceptable boy for the others.
Ralph decides that they will hold meetings, during which anyone who wishes to speak must hold the conch shell. Once a boy has the shell, others are supposed to be quiet and listen respectfully. They are to bring coconut shells full of fresh water daily to their main living area near the beach, and use a rocky area down by the water for the bathroom, since it will get washed clean by the ocean. The hunters take responsibility for keeping the signal fire going and hunting for pigs, while the others are supposed to help Ralph build huts on the beach. Ralph and Piggy also agree early on that they should learn all the littluns´ names in order to keep track of them.
Unfortunately, none of these rules last long, if at all. Ralph simply has no way of enforcing the rules, and the children approach their time on the island as individuals driven by wants and needs, rather than banding together to do what is best for the whole group. Jack, of course, is the leader in this.
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