American Indian Politics and the American Political System is the most comprehensive text written from a political science perspective. It analyzes the structures and functions of indigenous governments (including Alaskan Native communities and Hawaiian Natives) and the distinctive legal and political rights these nations exercise internally. It also examines the fascinating intergovernmental relationship that exists between native nations, the states, and the federal government. In the fourth edition, Wilkins and Stark analyze the challenges facing Indigenous nations as they develop new and innovative strategies to defend and demand recognition of their national character and rights. They also seeks to address issues that continue to plague many nations, such as notions of belonging and citizenship, implementation of governing structures and processes attentive to Indigenous political and legal traditions, and the promotion and enactment of sustainable practices that support our interdependence in an increasingly globalized world.

David E. Wilkinsis McKnight Presidential Professor of American Indian Studies at the University of Minnesota.

Heidi Kiiwetinepinesiik Starkis assistant professor of Political Science at the University of Victoria.

Chapter 1. A Tour of Native Peoples and Native Lands
Chapter 2. Indigenous Peoples Are Nations, Not Minorities
Chapter 3. Indigenous Governments: Past, Present, and Future
Chapter 4. Actors in Native Politics
Chapter 5. A History of Federal Indian Policy
Chapter 6. Tribal Political Economy
Chapter 7. Indigenous Political Participation: Patriotism, Suffrage, and Partisanship
Chapter 8. Native Interest Group Activity and Activism
Chapter 9. Native Peoples, Images, and the Media
Chapter 10. Indigenous Nations and the American Political System