What significant impact does a tribe's sovereignty have on its relationship with the U.S. government?

A tribe's sovereignty significantly affects its relationship with the U.S. government because it allows tribes to maintain the ability to self-govern while also being recognized as U.S. citizens. This unique status means that tribes can create and enforce their own laws, manage their land, and govern their internal affairs without interference from states, while still being subject to federal law.

Sovereignty recognizes the tribes as distinct political entities with inherent rights to govern themselves, leading to a government-to-government relationship with the federal government. This relationship enables tribes to negotiate agreements and treaties, participate in federal programs, and assert their rights within the framework of U.S. law.

In summary, tribal sovereignty affirms the tribes' capacity to exercise self-determination and manage their own governance, all while being part of the broader U.S. citizenry, illustrating the balance of power between tribal nations and the federal government.