200— The Political Clout of Wealthy and Poor American Indian Tribes

Since the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, casinos on reservations have become lucrative sources of income for not only tribal governments but also state governments. With an increase in wealth, many tribes have increased their lobbying forces to become major political actors in state and federal government. But, while some tribal governments have become financially stable due to gaming others have become physically and economically isolated making some tribal governments extremely poor. Poor tribal governments continue to have problems and when lobbying is not an option grassroots movements such as protests become the most viable source of political clout. By examing the political power of both wealthy and poor tribal governments it can be determined that wealthy tribes are more successful with traditional lobbying while poor tribes are more successful with social movements.