Episode 286: Elections in Early America: Native Sovereignty

Who is American democracy for and who could participate in early American democracy?

Women and African Americans were often barred from voting in colonial and early republic elections. But what about Native Americans? Could Native Americans participate in early American democracy?

Julie Reed, an Assistant Professor of History at the Pennsylvania State University, and Kathleen DuVal, the Bowman and Gordon Gray Distinguished Term Professor of History at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, join us to investigate how the sovereignty of native nations fits within the sovereignty of the United States and its democracy.

About the Show

Ben Franklin’s World is a podcast about early American history.

It is a show for people who love history and for those who want to know more about the historical people and events that have impacted and shaped our present-day world.

Each episode features a conversation with a historian who helps us shed light on important people and events in early American history.

Ben Franklin’s World is a production of the Omohundro Institute.

Episode Summary

Julie Reed, an Assistant Professor of History at the Pennsylvania State University, and Kathleen DuVal, the Bowman and Gordon Gray Distinguished Term Professor of History at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, join us to investigate how the sovereignty of native nations fits within the sovereignty of the United States and its democracy.

During our investigation of if and how Native Americans could participate in early American democracy, Kathleen and Julie reveal Native American ideas about self-government before, during, and after the American Revolution; How the Cherokee people viewed American democracy and American ideas about Native Americans; And information about the Cherokee Constitution of 1827 and the Cherokee Nation election of 1828.

What You’ll Discover

  • Native American ideas about self government by the 1770s
  • Native American views on the American Revolution
  • The Cherokee and how they received news of the American Revolution
  • Cherokee society and governance by 1783
  • Diplomacy between the Cherokee and new United States
  • Ideas about “civilizing” and “assimilating” Native Americans into American culture
  • How the Cherokee responded to Americans’ “civilizing” and “assimilation” ideas
  • Cherokee governance by the early-to-mid 19th century
  • The Cherokee Constitution of 1827
  • The Cherokee Constitution of 1827 as a compromise document
  • Structure of the Cherokee Nation government in 1828
  • Participation in Cherokee governance
  • Disenfranchisement of women & Afro-Cherokees
  • Cherokee Election of 1828
  • Indian Removal Act of 1830
  • What happened after the Cherokees moved west
  • What native sovereignty means for voting in the United States
  • Thinking about treaties and native sovereignty today

Links to People, Places, and Publications

Sponsor Links

Support Ben Franklin's World

Join Us!! Become a Ben Franklin’s World Member. Subscribe and help us bring history right to your ears!

Complementary Episodes

Questions, Comments, Suggestions

Do you have a question, comment, or suggestion?

Get in Touch! Send me an e-mail, tweet, or leave a comment.

 

Listen!

Enjoy the Podcast?

Why Not Listen regularly through one of these apps?

| Listen on Google Podcasts | Listen to Stitcher |

Ratings & Reviews

If you enjoy this podcast, please give it a rating and review.

Positive ratings and reviews help bring Ben Franklin's World to the attention of other history lovers who may not be aware of our show

Click here to rate & review on iTunes | Click here to rate & review on Stitcher

More from this show

Subscribe