Constitution of the Federated States of Micronesia

The Constitution of the Federated States of Micronesia is the supreme law of the Federated States of Micronesia. It was adopted in 1979.

History

Constitutional drafting began in June 1975. It was ratified on October 1, 1978, and took effect on May 10, 1979; May 10 is celebrated as Constitution Day. The constitution has been amended once, in 1990.^[1]

Constitution

The constitution is based on that of the United States, Micronesia's former trustee. It provides for a separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as well as a federal system.

However, unlike the United States, Micronesia has a unicameral legislature, called the National Congress, with fourteen senators. Four of them represent the four states for four-year terms, and the other ten representatives apportioned by population and serve two-year terms. Also, the National Congress is responsible for electing the President and Vice President.^[2] Most government functions other than foreign policy and national defense are carried out by the State governments. The constitution prohibits non-citizens from owning land in FSM.^[3]

Articles

The constitution consists of a preamble, and sixteen articles.

Article I

Article I defines the territory of the Federated States of Micronesia.

Article II

Article II ensures the constitution's supremacy over other laws.

Article III

Article III is the nationality law of the Federated States of Micronesia.

Articles IV, V, and VI

Articles IV, V, and VI act as the bill of rights for the Federated States of Micronesia, with Article V specifically protecting traditional rights of tribal leaders, and Article VI granting suffrage to those over eighteen years of age.

Articles VII-XI

Articles VII-XI set out of the government of the Federated States of Micronesia, with a separation of powers among three branches—the executive (Article X), legislative (Article IX), and judicial (article XI). Article VII creates a federal system with a national government, as well as state and local ones. Article VIII separates powers among these three levels.

Article XII

Article XII concerns government finance.

Article XIII

Article XIII consists of general provisions.

Article XIV

Article XIV sets out the process of amending the constitution.

Articles XV and XVI

Articles XV and XVI are transitional provisions.

References

1. "Micronesia, Federated States of". The World Factbook 2013-14. Washington, D.C.: Central Intelligence Agency. 2014. Retrieved 25 July 2014.
2. "Federated States of Micronesia country brief". Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. March 2014. Archived from the original on 27 July 2014. Retrieved 25 July 2014.
3. "Chapter 7: The Federated States of Micronesia". Office of Insular Affairs. U.S. Department of the Interior. Archived from the original on 2 December 2014. Retrieved 30 November 2014.