Final answer:
The U.S. Government maintained an unequal balance of power over American Indian nations by frequently violating treaties, subjecting them to paternalistic federal policies, and enforcing cultural assimilation through civilization policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The balance of power between the U.S. Government and American Indian nations was unequal in numerous ways. Firstly, treaty violations by the U.S. often resulted in Native peoples not receiving promised provisions and support, leading to poverty and dependency. Secondly, federal policies like the Marshall court trilogy established the 'domestic dependent nations' status, stripping tribes of some sovereignty and subjecting them to federal authority. Lastly, cultural suppression through civilization policies enforced assimilation, outlawing traditional practices and imposing Western norms, such as private land ownership and Christianity, on Native Americans.