Impact of the Oklahoma Indian tribes on the political agenda of the U. S. Government

Abstract

This study of the effect of Oklahoma Indian tribes on the political agenda of the U.S. government attempted to answer two research questions: whether the unique legal and political status of Indian tribes provides them with special access to, and influence on, the agenda-setting and policymaking of the national government and whether Oklahoma Indian tribes are able to advance a political agenda they define. The results of this study support the conclusions that the special status of the tribes does give them special access to, and influence on, national policies only after they are established by other political actors. Therefore, Indian tribes are not able to advance a political agenda they define. The national Indian policy agenda is set by other political actors.