Arizona Constitution Practice Test

Who governs Indian lands?

1. Belong to the state

2. Governed by the counties

3. Private property

4. Under the control of the federal government

The correct answer is: Under the control of the federal government

Indian lands, or tribal lands, are primarily governed by tribal governments that operate as sovereign nations. This means that while they have their own systems of governance, the federal government maintains a certain level of authority over these lands due to historical treaties and laws that recognize the sovereignty of Native American tribes. The federal government plays a key role in regulating activities on Indian lands, including matters related to natural resources, land use, and law enforcement. This relationship is rooted in the trust responsibility, whereby the federal government must protect the interests of Native American tribes. Therefore, while tribes have their own governance structures, they operate within a framework established by federal law. Understanding the governance of Indian lands is crucial, as it highlights the unique legal status of Native American tribes under U.S. law compared to other forms of governance, such as state or county jurisdictions.