Tribal Government 

Window Rock, Navajo Nation, Arizona, is the capital of the Navajo Nation government.  Since 1989, the Navajo Nation has governed itself using a three-branch system of government.
The Executive Branch is headed by the President and Vice President, who serve a four-year term.  They are elected by the popular vote of the Navajo people.  The President and Vice President oversee 11 divisions, each responsible for a certain area of government.
The Judicial Branch is headed by the Chief Justice of the Navajo Nation, who is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Navajo Nation Council.
The Legislative Branch is comprised of 88 members called Council delegates or the Navajo Nation Council.  Legislators serve a four-year term and are elected by the registered voters of all 110 Chapters, the smallest administrative units of the Navajo Nation. The Navajo Nation Council is headed by the Speaker, who is elected by the full Council.

Local Governance

Local governance occurs through entities called “Chapters,” which are geographically subdivided according to the population of tribal members.  There are 110 Chapters, which are proportionately represented by the 88 Council delegates.
The Navajo Nation Local Governance Act, 26 N.N.C. § 1 et seq. enables tribal members to vote on local economic development issues, such as the granting of home and business site leases within the community. Although Chapters have significant power in the community for planning and development, the ultimate authority legally remains in the hands of the Navajo Nation Council.