Government by the People At Mashantucket, many hands make government work.  The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation is governed by a seven-member tribal council, led by a Council Chairman, and an Elders Council, consisting of all tribal members 55 years or older and representing all families of the tribe. The chairman and all council members are elected, at a general tribal meeting, for three year terms. Registered tribal members eighteen years of age or older are eligible to vote. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council The decision-making powers of tribal government are divided between the Tribal Council and the Elders Council. Generally speaking, the Tribal Council makes the laws governing the tribe and its properties, manages its natural resources, and maintains relationships with local, state, and federal governments as well as with other tribal nations. The Elders Council, in addition to providing advice and recommendations to the Tribal Council and membership, determines questions of membership and has the power to deny any person, including a tribal member, access to tribal properties. The Elders Council also hears matters referred to it by the Tribal Council and proposes amendments to the Tribal Constitution. In addition, there is a Tribal Court that has jurisdiction to handle civil matters arising on the reservation or as a result of contractual obligations.