An examination of the relationship between American Indians and the U.S. political system. It attempts to give a clearer understanding of such contemporary issues as Indian fishing rights and gaming casinos. Aimed at those on introductory government courses, adding a futher perspective.

Selected for their insight and accessibility as well as diversity of viewpoints and topics, the essays provide a unique insight into the character of the American political system from the perspective of American Indians, teaching the reader much about both the tribes and the character of politics and government in the U.S. generally.

Foreword by David E. Wilkins
Introduction
Constitution
A Peculiar Covenant by JeDon A. Emenhiser
Political Ideals, Traditions, Culture
Native American Political Traditions by Taiaiake Alfred
Federalism
Tribal Governments by Sharon O'Brien
Citizanship and Political Participation
Neither Fish, Flesh, Fowl, nor Good Red Herring by Jill E. Martin
Civil Liberties
Freedom, Law, and Prophecy by Lee Irwin
Groups and Interests
The New Indian Politics by Stephen Cornell
Campaigns and Elections
Passing California's Proposition 5 by G. Richard Maullin
Congress
Bury My Heart in Committee by David Van Biema
Presidency
Ronald Reagan's Indian Policy in Retrospect by Samuel R. Cook
Bureaucracy
Lost Tribes by Peter Beinart
Let the Healing Begin by Kevin Gover
Court System
Watch Your Six by M. Robert Yazzie
The U.S. Supreme Court's Explication of "Federal Plenary Power" by David E. Wilkins
Policy Issues
Triangulated Power and the Environment by N. Jace Weaver
For Further Reading
Index.