WHAT IS A TRIBAL GOVERNMENT?

•  Many American Indians live on reservations, which are areas of land that are owned by a specific American Indian tribe, or group.  Each American Indian tribe is in charge of its own tribal government. Tribal governments are not part of the local or state governments. They are under the supervision  of the United States federal government. Native Americans serve on tribal councils, which make laws for the reservation.  The laws are a lot like the laws that our state governments make to protect the health, safety, and rights of the people.   Tribal governments also provide their own services, such as police, fire, and courts for the people who live on the reservation.

• Many tribal governments have written constitutions just like our state and federal governments. A constitution is a written plan for how the government will work, including the duties and freedoms of the people, and the government. When there are disagreements or court cases, the constitution is used to help resolve the issues.

• Tribal governments help their people earn money so they can meet their needs. Some tribes create art or sing and dance in cultural performances on their reservations. Visitors pay money to see artifacts in museums, attend performances, and buy original arts and crafts. Some tribes have casinos and other entertainment to bring in paying customers. Reservations are located within states. Native Americans help our economy by spending their money on local businesses and services.

 Name:__________________________________

Answer the following questions based on the reading passage. Don’t forget to go back to the passage whenever necessary to find or confirm   your answers.

1)   What is a reservation?

2)  Which level of the U.S. government supervises tribal governments?

3)   What is the purpose of a constitution?

4)  What kinds of laws would you expect to find on a reservation?

5)  Do you think that having separate tribal governments are a good idea? Why, or why not?