The tribal government of the Chickasaw Nation is a democratic republic, modeled after that of the federal government. Registered voters elect a governor and lieutenant governor to four-year terms. Like the president and vice president of the United States, the governor and lieutenant governor run as a team.

Executive Department
Article X of the Chickasaw Constitution states, "The Supreme Executive power of the Chickasaw Nation is vested in a Chief Magistrate, who shall be styled 'The Governor of the Chickasaw Nation.'" He is the official spokesperson for the tribe and shares in the law-making process through recommendations made to the tribal legislature. The governor's duties include the day-to-day operations of the tribe, as well as the signing of official papers and official appointments.

View the 2012-2013 Elected Leadership

Just as U.S. presidents have a staff and cabinet, the governor of the Chickasaw Nation has administrators and directors to help guide the many divisions and departments within the tribe. While some divisions and departments serve the tribal citizens directly through programs and services, many tribal employees work behind the scenes, fulfilling internal tribal needs.

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Legislative Department
The voters also elect 13 members to the tribal legislature, with three-year terms of office. About one-third of the seats in the legislature are up for election each year.

Judicial Department
Also elected are the three justices on the tribal supreme court. The three supreme court justices perform constitutional interpretative duties much like the U.S. Supreme Court.

The first constitution of the Chickasaw Nation was ratified in 1856. A new constitution was ratified in 1983. The seat of the tribal government is located in Ada, with regional offices located in Ardmore, Ada, Tishomingo and Purcell.

Elected Government Officials:

• Governor
• Lieutenant Governor
• Three Tribal Supreme Court Justices
• 13 Members of the Chickasaw Tribal Legislature

Chickasaw Nation Mission
To enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw People

Chickasaw Nation Vision
To be a Nation of successful and united people with a strong cultural identity

Chickasaw Nation Core Values
Core Values are the fundamental, guiding principles of an organization. At the Chickasaw Nation, we value:

• The Chickasaw People
  Our focus and commitment is on the Chickasaw people and improving the quality of life of all Chickasaws.  We are empowered and unified in purpose.
• Cultural Identity
  We will preserve our cultural history and incorporate it into everything we do.
• Servant Leadership
  We are accountable to the Chickasaw Nation and we put our people first.
• Selflessness
  We give of ourselves for the betterment of our people.
• Perseverance
  We will never quit.  We have a warrior tradition.
• Stewardship
  We will responsibly use the Nation’s resources entrusted to us.
• Trust and Respect
  We trust one another and earn the trust of our citizens.  We are caring and compassionate.
• Loyalty
  We are committed to the Chickasaw Nation, its mission and its goals.
• Honesty and Integrity
  We will do what we say and are honest and trustworthy.  We uphold ethical standards and are accountable for our actions.
• Teamwork
  We work as a team with a strong work ethic toward solving the problems of the Nation.