The Dawes act was an act that would allow Native American individuals to own their own land within reservations. The land that was to be given out had to do with your age and whether you had a family or not. In the case that there was not enough land for all of the native americans on a certain reserve, the government took many precautions. The Native Americans were given the right to choose what part of land they wanted. When and if two indians chose the same piece of land, it would then be divided into 2 separate pieces and the rest of their land would be in a separate location. If they didn't choose their land within 4 years, an agent would choose for them. Even it a native american did not live on a reservation, they would still recieve their piece of land. All land would be patented and protected by the government. The natives could now be punished for breaking any law, but also protected by the law. Any native american not associated with a tribe had the opportunity to become an american citizen.
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