A Quiz on Tribes and the Government in the USA

The U.S. government considered American Indian tribes to be independent nations. This recognition acknowledged their sovereignty and autonomy, treating them as separate political entities with their own governments and territories. The U.S. government entered into treaties with these tribes, recognizing their rights and establishing a government-to-government relationship. This understanding of tribes as independent nations influenced various aspects of federal Indian policy and legal frameworks.

All of the options listed can be a part of the tribal government. The Tribal Council is a common governing body in tribal governments, responsible for making decisions and implementing policies. The Village Council is another form of governance within tribal communities, focusing on local issues and decision-making. The Tribal Business Committee is responsible for managing and overseeing economic activities and enterprises within the tribe. Therefore, all of these options can be legitimate components of a tribal government.

Article I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the several states, and with the Indian tribes. This section outlines the authority given to Congress in matters of commerce, allowing them to establish regulations and laws that govern trade and economic activities both domestically and internationally. It is an important provision that empowers the federal government to ensure fair and consistent trade practices and promote economic growth within the country.

American Indians are considered citizens of the USA because they are recognized as one of the indigenous peoples of the country. Through various legal acts and policies, American Indians have been granted citizenship and are entitled to the same rights and protections as other citizens. This recognition is an acknowledgment of their historical presence and contributions to the United States.

The correct answer is the Dawes Act. This act was named after Senator Henry L. Dawes of Massachusetts. The Dawes Act, also known as the General Allotment Act, was passed in 1887 and aimed to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society by dividing tribal lands into individual allotments. This act resulted in the loss of millions of acres of Native American land and had a detrimental impact on indigenous communities.

The given statement is false. Tribal sovereignty actually asserts that tribes have the inherent authority to govern themselves. It recognizes that tribes are distinct political entities with the power to make and enforce laws within their territories. This principle is rooted in the historical and legal relationship between tribes and the United States government, acknowledging the tribes' pre-existing sovereignty prior to the formation of the United States.

The Indian Reorganization Act by the USA came into effect on June 18, 1934. This act, also known as the Wheeler-Howard Act, aimed to reverse the previous policies of forced assimilation of Native Americans and promote self-governance and cultural preservation. It encouraged Native American tribes to establish their own governments and provided them with funding for economic development and land acquisition. The act also recognized the importance of tribal sovereignty and sought to protect Native American rights.

The correct answer is Article I, Section 2, Clause 3. This clause is commonly known as the Three-Fifths Compromise and it deals with the apportionment of representatives and direct taxes among the states. It specifically mentions that Indians not taxed are to be excluded from this apportionment.

The U.S. considers tribal nations to be domestic dependent nations. This means that while they have a degree of self-governance and are recognized as sovereign entities, they are still ultimately subject to the authority of the U.S. federal government. Tribal nations have a unique legal and political status within the U.S., with the ability to make their own laws and govern their own affairs to some extent, but they are still reliant on the U.S. for certain rights and protections.

The USA considers 574 Indian tribes officially. This number represents the recognition and acknowledgment of these tribes by the US government. Each tribe has its own distinct culture, history, and sovereignty. The recognition of these tribes is important for preserving their rights, land, and resources, as well as maintaining government-to-government relationships with the US.