American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What did the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 achieve for Native Americans?

1. Provided land titles to individual Native Americans

2. Allowed Native Americans to adopt a constitution and organize for their common welfare

3. Granted full citizenship to all Native Americans

4. Established reservation systems across the country

The correct answer is: Allowed Native Americans to adopt a constitution and organize for their common welfare

The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 was a significant piece of legislation that aimed to reverse the assimilation policies imposed on Native Americans and restore some degree of self-governance and cultural autonomy. One of its key achievements was allowing Native American tribes to adopt their own constitutions and organize for their common welfare. This enabled tribes to establish their own governments, which could operate independently from federal oversight, fostering self-determination and the ability to manage their internal affairs. By adopting constitutions, tribes could create formal governance structures that reflected their cultural values and community needs, thereby strengthening their sovereignty and promoting tribal identity. This shift marked a departure from earlier policies that aimed to individualize Native American land ownership and promote assimilation into American society. The other options reflect aspects of Native American policy but do not accurately capture the primary focus of the Indian Reorganization Act. For instance, the Act did not grant full citizenship to all Native Americans, as many tribes continued to be excluded from citizenship rights until the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 and subsequent legal challenges. Similarly, while the Act did involve some related policies on land, it primarily focused on allowing tribes to organize and govern themselves rather than establishing a nationwide reservation system.