Copyright © 2000 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Cherokee Constitution Convention

Official Seal Cherokee Nation

Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma
Published Sunday, February 28, 1999

1. Title of the Constitution became Constitution of the Cherokee Nation rather than Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.

2 Article I. Federal Relationship was eliminated in favor of language that the Cherokee Nation affirm its sovereignty and mutually beneficial relationship with the United States of America.

3. Article II. Bill of Rights was expanded to affirm the 1839 Cherokee Nation Constitution and Federal protections.

4. Article III. Citizenship added a provision to appeal membership application decisions to court. All references to members was changed to citizens.

5. Article IV. Distribution of Powers was changed to substitute branches rather than departments of government in speaking about the executive, legislative and judicial.

6. Article V Legislative remained with one body rather than two bodies (senate and council) after long debate. A Speaker of the Council was created to run the Council meetings rather than the Deputy Principal Chief.

7. Article V Legislative changed after long debate to increase the number Council persons to 17 from 15.

The Convention delegates worked from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. continuously. The various factions of the last two years have all worked together with a spirit of dedication to drafting the best constitution ever for the needs of the Cherokee people.