Navajo Political Experience

David E. Wilkins is McKnight Presidential Professor of American Indian Studies and adjunct professor of political science and law at the University of Minnesota.

• Preface Acknowledgments Introduction Key Terms Selected Readings Notes PART IFoundations of Diné Government and Relations with the United StatesChapter 1 Dine National Government: An Historical OverviewIntroduction Diné Traditional Government The Naataanii (Headmen and Headwomen of Traditional Society) The Naachid Diné Government: 1700-1846 Diné Governmental Change During the Early AmericanPeriod: 1846-1921 Treaty of 1849 (also known as Washington’s Treaty) Treaty of 1868 Importance of the Treaties The Birth of Local Government: 1922-1936 Chapters The First Navajo Tribal Council Navajo Tribal Reorganization: 1936-1938 Diné Tribal Government: 1940-1989 Democratization of the Navajo Nation: Title II Amendments,1989 to 2002Fundamental Law to the PresentConclusion Key Terms Selected Readings Notes Chapter 2 A Nation Within a NationIntroduction No Universal Legal Definition A Navajo Understanding of What Constitutes a Nation The Cultural Side of Navajo National Identity Theories of Race The Role of Religion Language and Identity Traditions and Historical Experiences Indigenous Values The Political Side of Navajo Identity A Distinctive People A Defined Land Base Governing Structures Sovereignty Tribal Sovereignty The Distinctive Tribal-Federal Relationship The Treaty Relationship The Trust Relationship Congressional Plenary Power in Indian Affairs The U.S. Congress and Indian Affairs Congressional Committees The U.S. President and Indian Affairs The Secretary of the Interior and the Bureau of Indian Affairs 28The U.S. Supreme Court and Indian Affairs 30Tribal-State Relations 32Conclusion Key Terms Selected Readings Notes Chapter 3Governmental Structure: Its Form and Function Introduction What Is Government? What Are Politics and Political Science? Why the Need for Government? Who Has the Power in Government? Ideology Within American Politics Liberals Conservatives Three Principal Functions of Government Legislative Executive Judicial Types of Governing Structures What Is Democracy? Division of Governing Functions Subunits of Government Structure of the Legislature Conclusion Key Terms Selected Readings Notes Chapter 4Federal Indian Policy: An Historical OverviewIntroduction Indigenous Independence: 1492-Colonial Era Early United States Independence: 1776-1828 Removal—Relocation—Reservation: 1828-1887 Allotment and Assimilation: 1887-1921 Reorganization and Limited Tribal Self-Rule: 1921-1945 Termination: 1945-1961 Tribal Self-Determination and Self-Governance:1961-Present Conclusion Key Terms Selected Readings Notes PART IIInstitutions of Diné GovernmentChapter 5The Framework of Navajo Government TodayIntroduction Navajo Nation Code: Principles Navajo Nation Code: Authority Why Is There a Code and Not a Constitution? Limits to Navajo Government Power Attempts at Government Reform Conclusion Key Terms Selected Readings Notes Chapter 6The Navajo Nation Legislature (The Council)Introduction What Is a Legislature? The Council and Its Delegates Committees How a Resolution Becomes Law Factors Influencing Navajo Lawmakers Reapportionment—”One Navajo-One Vote” Conclusion Key Terms Selected Readings Notes Chapter 7The Navajo Nation Executive(The President and Vice-President)Introduction What is Executive Power? Powers of the Navajo Nation President Presidential Office and Activities Vacancies Gifts of Property The Executive Bureaucracy Conclusion Key Terms Selected Readings Notes Chapter 8The Navajo Nation Judiciary (The Courts)Introduction Historical Background of the Navajo Nation Courts Navajo Nation Court Structure Navajo Supreme Court Navajo District Courts Navajo Family Courts Navajo Peacemaker Courts Other Related Institutions Qualifications for Judicial Appointment Tenure of Judges: Cause for Removal Salaries Conclusion Key Terms Selected Readings Notes Chapter 9Local Governing Jurisdictions Introduction Chapters Township(s) District Grazing Committees Off-Reservation Land Boards Major Irrigation Projects Farm Boards Agency Councils Conclusion Key Terms Selected Readings Notes PART IIIPolitical Dynamics of Diné GovernmentChapter 10Interest Groups and Diné Politics: From Without and WithinIntroduction The Navajo Nation ‘As Subject” to Outside InterestGroups The Navajo Nation ‘As Subject” to Inside InterestGroups The Navajo Nation “Acting As” an Interest Group Conclusion Key Terms Selected Readings Notes Chapter 11The Navajo Nation and the MediaIntroduction The Role of the Media Navajo Nation Media Enterprises The Navajo TimesMacDonald Shuts Down the Paper KTNN: The Radio Voice of the Navajo Nation Conclusion Key TermsSelected Readings Notes Chapter 12Diné Voting, Elections, and Campaign FinancesIntroduction Navajo Voting Navajo Election Laws Conclusion Key Terms Selected Readings Notes Chapter 13Diné Political EconomyIntroduction Early Dine Economic ActivityNavajo Treaties & PawnLivestock ReductionThe Beginnings of Navajo NationalismContemporary Status of Dine Economic DevelopmentConclusion Key Terms Selected Readings NotesAPPENDICES