Government of Cherokee Nation

The Cherokee government before removal was a traditional tribal government and was separated into several different clans; it was after the Indian Removal Act that the Cherokee government started to transition and become the government we see today. Todays Cherokee government is very similar to the United States government. There are three different branches, all of which have their unique duties. These branches are: the Executive branch, the Legislative branch, and the Judicial branch. The Executive branch of the Cherokee Nation, much like the American Executive branch, is responsible for enforcing laws that are created by the Legislative branch. The head of the Executive branch are the Principal Chief and Deputy Principal Chief, and a four-man cabinet. The Legislative branch, better known as the Tribal Council, is the law-making body of the Cherokee Nation. The Council is composed of 17 members who serve staggered four years terms. Fifteen of these members represent the people living within the borders of the Cherokee Nation, the other two members represent people who live outside the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation. The Judicial branch, known to the Cherokee as the Tribal Courts, are separated into three distinct courts: the District Court, Supreme Court, and the Healing and Wellness Court. All of these courts are open to every person or entity in the Cherokee Nations 14-county jurisdiction.