ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the political attitudes and practices which Montana reservations share. Against this background of Indian political culture, the discussion will turn to reform considerations. The American Indian Policy Review Commission concluded that "each tribe has retained, in varying degrees, traditional, cultural, and religious societal practices which influence the manner and form in which the tribal government is operated." Evolving personal autonomy encouraged tribal members to challenge tribal governmental authority and obstruct, either overtly or covertly, the reservation's political process. Tribal governments continue to depend upon Congress and comply with agencies' intrusive regulations out of necessity. Informal government, that is, vague and dispersed grants of power and poorly defined procedures, allows for personal political participation with immediate and predictable results. Poor political communication, therefore, can be a problem for both officials and members, and lack of information can diminish the effectiveness and acceptance of tribal government.
