UCLA

Tribal nations, in much the same way as state governments, influence other sovereigns through lobbying. But unlike corporate special interests, states and tribal nations lobby on behalf of the needs of their constituents. As a result of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, tribal nations are experiencing increased political incorporation into state politics, leading many academics to argue that tribal nations are merely corporate special interests. The impacts of this perception could be potentially catastrophic for tribal nations, as critics of California tribal interest group behavior have called for an end to tribal sovereignty. Through the analysis of polling data, and statements from politicians, academics, and news media, I show that the public perceives tribal nations lobbying in California as “special interests” akin to corporate profit-seekers and I demonstrates that tribal lobbying represents the actions of one sovereign attempting to influence another.