Structure of Government

Like the United States, the government of the Cherokee Nation is split into three branches as provided by its Constitution: the Executive, the Legislative, and the Judicial.

The Executive branch consists of the Principal Chief and Deputy Principal Chief, who are responsible for executing the laws of the nation and delegating authority within the government. Both of these positions are popularly elected for four-year terms by the Cherokee people.

The Legislative branch consists of the Tribal Council, also popularly elected, which is composed of 17 members that represent nine districts within the Cherokee Nation. An additional two Council members are elected to represent Cherokees living outside of the Nation's boundaries. As with the U.S. Congress, the Tribal Council introduces legislation that will be implemented across the nation.

Finally the Judicial branch is composed of the five-member Cherokee Nation Supreme Court, as well as the Cherokee Nation District Court and the Wellness Court. The members of the Supreme Court are appointed by the Principal Chief and then confirmed by the Tribal Council. The Court is charged with interpreting the Cherokee Nation's Constitution and resolving legal disputes that may arise. Additionally, the District Court presides over all cases that are brought to it under the judicial code of the Nation.