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Authority of Tribal Governments • Tribes have been characterized as domestic dependent nations retaining all powers of government not extinguished by an express act of the Congress or inconsistent with their dependent status. See, Worcester v. Georgia , 31 U.S. (6 Pet.) 515 (1832); Cherokee Nation v. Georgia , 30 U.S. (5 Pet.) 1 (1831); Talton v. Mayes , 163 U.S. 376 (1896); United States v. Wheeler , 435 U.S. 313 (1978). • As a general principle, the United States Congress has exclusive authority over Indian Affairs, which preempts the assertion of power over tribes by states, unless expressly authorized by Congress. Williams v. Lee , 368 U.S. 217 (1959). • The exclusive power of the United States to oversee Indian affairs is Constitutional in origin and traces to Art. I, Sec. 8, cl. 3, the Indian Commerce Clause. See, Kagama v. United States, 118 U.S. 375 (1886).
Inherent Powers of Tribal Self- Government Ø Make and form their own government Talton v. Mayes , 163 U.S. 376 (1896). Ø Establish membership Santa Clara Pueblo v. Martinez , 436 U.S. 49 (1930)
Ø Make and enforce laws, civil and criminal Ex Parte Crow Dog , 109 U.S. 556 (1983).
Ø Tax
Merrion v. Jicarilla Apache Tribe , 455 U.S. 130 (1982).
Ø Engage in commercial activity
Brendale v. Confederated Tribes of Yakima Indians , 492 U.S. 408 (1989).
Ø License, zone, and regulate
Merrion v. Jicarilla Apache Tribe , 455 U.S. 130 (1982).
Homer Law Chtd. 2009
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