As a sovereign Indian nation, the Tribe is governed by an executive and judicial branch. The executive branch is composed of a nine-member Tribal Council, which includes a chairperson and vice-chairperson. Council members are elected to office by Tribal members and serve 4-year terms. The Council oversees twelve administrative departments. The judicial branch of government consists of a Tribal Court and a Court of Appeals. Judges are appointed by the Tribal Council for two-year terms. The Courts have jurisdiction over all cases and controversies within the jurisdiction of the Tribe by virtue of the Tribe’s inherent sovereignty or which may be vested in tribal courts by federal law.