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Federated States of Micronesia Consolidated Legislation |
CONSTITUTION
OF THE
FEDERATED STATES OF
MICRONESIA
PREAMBLE
WE, THE PEOPLE OF MICRONESIA, exercising our inherent sovereignty, do
hereby establish this Constitution of the Federated States of
Micronesia.
With this Constitution, we affirm our common wish to live
together in peace and harmony, to preserve the heritage of the past, and
to
protect the promise of the future.
To make one nation of many islands, we
respect the diversity of our cultures. Our differences enrich us. The seas bring
us together,
they do not separate us. Our islands sustain us, our island nation
enlarges us and makes us stronger.
Our ancestors, who made their homes on
these islands, displaced no other people. We, who remain, wish no other home
than this. Having
known war, we hope for peace. Having been divided, we wish
unity. Having been ruled, we seek freedom.
Micronesia began in the days
when man explored seas in rafts and canoes. The Micronesian nation is born in an
age when men voyage
among stars; our world itself is an island. We extend to all
nations what we seek from each: peace, friendship, cooperation, and
love in our
common humanity. With this Constitution we, who have been the wards of other
nations, become the proud guardian of our
own islands, now and forever.
ARTICLE I
Territory of Micronesia
Section 1. The territory of the Federated States of Micronesia is
comprised of the Districts of the Micronesian archipelago that ratify this
Constitution. Unless limited by international treaty obligations assumed by the
Federated States of Micronesia, or by its own act,
the waters connecting the
islands of the archipelago are internal waters regardless of dimensions, and
jurisdiction extends to a
marine space of 200 miles measured outward from
appropriate baselines, the seabed, subsoil, water column, insular or continental
shelves, airspace over land and water, and any other territory or waters
belonging to Micronesia by historic right, custom, or legal
title.
Section 2. Each state is comprised of the islands of each
District as defined by laws in effect immediately prior to the effective date of
this
Constitution. A marine boundary between adjacent states is determined by
law, applying the principle of equidistance. State boundaries
may be changed by
Congress with the consent of the state legislatures involved.
Section
3. Territory may be added to the Federated States of Micronesia upon
approval of Congress, and by vote of the inhabitants of the area,
if any, and by
vote of the people of the Federated States of Micronesia. If the territory is to
become part of an existing state,
approval of the state legislature is
required.
Section 4. New states may be formed and admitted by law,
subject to the same rights, duties, and obligations as provided for in this
Constitution.
ARTICLE II
Supremacy
Section 1. This Constitution is the expression of the sovereignty
of the people and is the supreme law of the Federated States of Micronesia.
An
act of the government in conflict with this Constitution is invalid to the
extent of conflict.
ARTICLE III
Citizenship
Section 1. A person who is a citizen of the Trust Territory
immediately prior to the effective date of this Constitution and a domiciliary
of
a District ratifying this Constitution is a citizen and national of the
Federated States of Micronesia.
Section 2. A person born of
parents one or both of whom are citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia
is a citizen and national of the
Federated States by birth.
Section
3. A citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia who is recognized as a
citizen of another nation shall, within 3 years of his eighteenth
birthday, or
within 3 years of the effective date of this Constitution, whichever is later,
register his intent to remain a citizen
of the Federated States and renounce his
citizenship of another nation. If he fails to comply with this Section, he
becomes a national
of the Federated States of Micronesia.
Section
4. A citizen of the Trust Territory who becomes a national of the United
States of America under the terms of the Covenant to Establish
a Commonwealth of
the Northern Mariana Islands may become a citizen and national of the Federated
States of Micronesia by applying
to a court of competent jurisdiction in the
Federated States within 6 months of the date he became a United States
national.
Section 5. A domiciliary of a District not ratifying
this Constitution who was a citizen of the Trust Territory immediately prior to
the effective
date of this Constitution, may become a citizen and national of
the Federated States of Micronesia by applying to a court of competent
jurisdiction in the Federated States within 6 months after the effective date of
this Constitution or within 6 months after his 18th
birthday, whichever is
later.
Section 6. This Article may be applied
retroactively.
ARTICLE IV
Declaration of Rights
Section 1. No law may deny or impair freedom of expression,
peaceable assembly, association, or petition.
Section 2. No law
may be passed respecting an establishment of religion or impairing the free
exercise of religion, except that assistance may
be provided to parochial
schools for non-religious purposes.
Section 3. A person may not be
deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, or be denied
the equal protection of the laws.
Section 4. Equal protection of
the laws may not be denied or impaired on account of sex, race, ancestry,
national origin, language, or social
status.
Section 5. The right
of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and other
possessions against unreasonable search, seizure,
or invasion of privacy may not
be violated. A warrant may not issue except on probable cause, supported by
affidavit particularly
describing the place to be searched and the persons or
things to be seized.
Section 6. The defendant in a criminal case
has a right to a speedy public trial, to be informed of the nature of the
accusation, to have counsel
for his defense, to be confronted with the witnesses
against him, and to compel attendance of witnesses in his
behalf.
Section 7. A person may not be compelled to give evidence
that may be used against him in a criminal case, or be twice put in jeopardy for
the
same offense.
Section 8. Excessive bail may not be required,
excessive fines imposed, or cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. The writ of
habeas corpus
may not be suspended unless required for public safety in cases of
rebellion or invasion.
Section 9. Capital punishment is
prohibited.
Section 10. Slavery and involuntary servitude are
prohibited except to punish crime.
Section 11. A bill of attainder
or ex post facto law may not be passed.
Section 12. A citizen of
the Federated States of Micronesia may travel and migrate within the Federated
States.
Section 13. Imprisonment for debt is prohibited.
ARTICLE V
Traditional Rights
Section 1. Nothing in this Constitution takes away a role or
function of a traditional leader as recognized by custom and tradition, or
prevents
a traditional leader from being recognized, honored, and given formal
or functional roles at any level of government as may be prescribed
by this
Constitution or by statute.
Section 2. The traditions of the
people of the Federated States of Micronesia may be protected by statute. If
challenged as violative of Article
IV, protection of Micronesian tradition shall
be considered a compelling social purpose warranting such governmental
action.
Section 3. The Congress may establish, when needed, a
Chamber of Chiefs consisting of traditional leaders from each state having such
leaders,
and of elected representatives from states having no traditional
leaders. The constitution of a state having traditional leaders
may provide for
an active, functional role for them.
ARTICLE VI
Suffrage
Section 1. A citizen 18 years of age may vote in national
elections. The Congress shall prescribe a minimum period of local residence and
provide
for voter registration, disqualification for conviction of crime, and
disqualification for mental incompetence or insanity. Voting
shall be
secret.
ARTICLE VII
Levels of Government
Section 1. The three levels of government in the Federated States
of Micronesia are national, state, and local. A state is not required to
establish
a new local government where none exists on the effective date of this
Constitution.
Section 2. A state shall have a democratic
constitution.
ARTICLE VIII
Powers of Government
Section 1. A power expressly delegated to the national government,
or a power of such an indisputably national character as to be beyond the
power
of a state to control, is a national power.
Section 2. A power not
expressly delegated to the national government or prohibited to the states is a
state power.
Section 3. State and local governments are prohibited
from imposing taxes which restrict interstate commerce.
ARTICLE IX
Legislative
Section 1. The legislative power of the national government is
vested in the Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia.
Section
2. The following powers are expressly delegated to Congress:
(a) to provide for the national defense;
(b) to ratify treaties;
(c) to regulate immigration, emigration, naturalization, and citizenship;
(d) to impose taxes, duties, and tariffs based on imports;
(e) to impose taxes on income;
(f) to issue and regulate currency;
(g) to regulate banking, foreign and interstate commerce, insurance, the issuance and use of commercial paper and securities, bankruptcy and insolvency, and patents and copyrights;
(h) to regulate navigation and shipping except within lagoons, lakes, and rivers;
(i) to establish usury limits on major loans;
(j) to provide for a national postal system;
(k) to acquire and govern new territory;
(l) to govern the area set aside as the national capital;
(m) to regulate the ownership, exploration, and exploitation of natural resources within the marine space of the Federated States of Micronesia beyond 12 miles from island baselines;
(n) to establish and regulate a national public service system;
(o) to impeach and remove the President, Vice President, and justices of the Supreme Court;
(p) to define national crimes and prescribe penalties, having due regard for local custom and tradition;
(q) to override a Presidential veto by not less than a three-fourths vote of all the state delegations, each delegation casting one vote; and
(r) to promote education and health by setting minimum standards, coordinating state activities relating to foreign assistance, providing training and assistance to the states and providing support for post-secondary educational programs and projects.
Section 3. The following powers
may be exercised concurrently by Congress and the states:
(a) to appropriate public funds;
(b) to borrow money on the public credit; and
(c) to establish systems of social security and public welfare.
Section 4. A treaty is ratified by vote of
2/3 of the members of Congress, except that a treaty delegating major powers of
government of the
Federated States of Micronesia to another government shall
also require majority approval by the legislatures of 2/3 of the
states.
Section 5. National taxes shall be imposed uniformly. Not
less than 50% of the revenues shall be paid into the treasury of the state where
collected.
Section 6. Net revenue derived from ocean floor mineral
resources exploited under Section 2(m) shall be divided equally between
the national government and the appropriate state government.
Section
7. The President, Vice President, or a justice of the Supreme Court may be
removed from office for treason, bribery, or conduct involving
corruption in
office by a 2/3 vote of the members of Congress. When the President or Vice
President is removed, the Supreme Court
shall review the decision. When a
justice of the Supreme Court is removed, the decision shall be reviewed by a
special tribunal composed
of one state court judge from each State appointed by
the state chief executive. The special tribunal shall meet at the call of the
President.
Section 8. The Congress consists of one member elected
at large from each state on the basis of state equality, and additional members
elected
from congressional districts in each state apportioned by population.
Members elected on the basis of state equality serve for a
4-year term, and all
other members for 2 years. Each member has one vote, except on the final reading
of bills. Congressional elections
are held biennially as provided by
statute.
Section 9. A person is ineligible to be a member of
Congress unless he is at least 30 years of age on the day of election and has
been a citizen
of the Federated States of Micronesia for at least 15 years, and
a resident of the state from which he is elected for at least 5
years. A person
convicted of a felony by a state or national government court is ineligible to
be a member of Congress. The Congress
may modify this provision or prescribe
additional qualifications; knowledge of the English language may not be a
qualification.
Section 10. At least every 10 years Congress shall
reapportion itself. A state is entitled to at least one member of Congress on
the basis of
population in addition to the member elected at large. A state
shall apportion itself by law into single member congressional districts.
Each
district shall be approximately equal in population after giving due regard to
language, cultural, and geographic differences.
Section 11. A
state may provide that one of its seats is set aside for a traditional leader
who shall be chosen as provided by statute for a
2-year term, in lieu of one
representative elected on the basis of population. The number of congressional
districts shall be reduced
and reapportioned accordingly.
Section
12. A vacancy in Congress is filled for the unexpired term. In the absence
of provision by law, an unexpired term is filled by special
election, except
that an unexpired term of less than 1 year is filled by appointment by the state
chief executive.
Section 13. A member of Congress may not hold
another public office or employment. During the term for which he is elected and
3 years thereafter,
a member may not be elected or appointed to a public office
or employment created by national statute during his term. A member may
not
engage in any activity which conflicts with the proper discharge of his duties.
The Congress may prescribe further restrictions.
Section 14. The
Congress may prescribe an annual salary and allowances for members. An increase
of salary may not apply to the Congress enacting
it.
Section 15. A
member of Congress is privileged from arrest during his attendance at Congress
and while going to and from sessions, except for
treason, felony, or breach of
the peace. A member answers only to Congress for his statements in
Congress.
Section 16. The Congress shall meet in regular, public
session as prescribed by statute. A special session may be convened at the call
of the
President of the Federated States of Micronesia, or by the presiding
officer on the written request of 2/3 of the members.
Section 17.
(a) The Congress shall be the sole judge of the elections and qualifications of
its members, may discipline a member, and, by 2/3
vote, may suspend or expel a
member.
(b) The Congress may determine its own rules of procedure and choose a presiding officer from among its members.
(c) The Congress may compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of documents or other matters before Congress or any of its committees.
Section 18. A majority of the members is a
quorum, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day and compel the
attendance of absent members.
Section 19. The Congress shall keep
and publish a journal of its proceedings. A roll call vote entered on the
journal shall be taken at the request
of 1/5 of the members present. Legislative
proceedings shall be conducted in the English language. A member may use his own
language
if not fluent in English, and Congress shall provide
translation.
Section 20. To become law, a bill must pass 2
readings on separate days. To pass first reading a 2/3 vote of all members is
required. On final
reading each state delegation shall cast one vote and a 2/3
vote of all the delegations is required. All votes shall be entered on
the
journal.
Section 21. (a) The Congress may make no law except by
statute and may enact no statute except by bill. The enacting clause of a bill
is "BE
IT ENACTED BY THE CONGRESS OF THE FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA:". A
bill may embrace but one subject expressed in its title. A
provision outside the
subject expressed in the title is void.
(b) A law may not be amended or revised by reference to its title only. The law as revised or section as amended shall be published and re-enacted at full length.
Section 22. A bill passed by Congress shall be
presented to the President for approval. If he disapproves of the bill, he shall
return it with
his objections to Congress within 10 days. If Congress has 10 or
less days remaining in its session, or has adjourned, he shall return
the bill
within 30 days after presentation. If the President does not return a bill
within the appropriate period, it becomes law
as if approved.
ARTICLE X
Executive
Section 1. The executive power of the national government is
vested in the President of the Federated States of Micronesia. He is elected by
Congress for a term of four years by a majority vote of all the members. He may
not serve for more than two consecutive terms.
Section 2. The
following powers are expressly delegated to the President:
(a) to faithfully execute and implement the provisions of this Constitution and all national laws;
(b) to receive all ambassadors and to conduct foreign affairs and the national defense in accordance with national law;
(c) to grant pardons and reprieves, except that the chief executive of each state shall have this power concurrently with respect to persons convicted under State law; and
(d) with the advice and consent of Congress, to appoint ambassadors; all judges of the Supreme Court and other courts prescribed by statute; the principal officers of Executive departments in the national government; and such other officers as may be provided for by statute. Ambassadors and principal officers serve at the pleasure of the President.
Section 3. The
President:
(a) is head of state of the Federated States of Micronesia;
(b) may make recommendations to Congress, and shall make an annual report to Congress on the state of the nation; and
(c) shall perform such duties as may be provided by statute.
Section 4. A person is ineligible to become
President unless he is a member of Congress for a 4-year term, a citizen of the
Federated States
of Micronesia by birth, and a resident of the Federated States
of Micronesia for at least 15 years.
Section 5. After the election
of the President, the Vice President is elected in the same manner as the
President, has the same qualifications,
and serves for the same term of office.
He may not be a resident of the same state. After the election of the President
and the Vice
President, vacancies in Congress shall be
declared.
Section 6. If the office of the President is vacant, or
the President is unable to perform his duties, the Vice President becomes
President.
The Congress shall provide by statute for the succession in the event
both offices are vacant, or either or both officers are unable
to discharge
their duties.
Section 7. The compensation of the President or Vice
President may not be increased or reduced during his term. They may hold no
other office
and may receive no other compensation from the Federated States of
Micronesia or from a state.
Section 8. Executive departments shall
be established by statute.
Section 9. (a) If required to preserve public peace, health, or safety, at a time of extreme emergency caused by civil disturbance, natural disaster, or immediate threat of war, or insurrection, the President may declare a state of emergency and issue appropriate decrees.
(b) A civil right may be impaired only to the extent actually required for the preservation of peace, health, or safety. A declaration of emergency may not impair the power of the judiciary except that the declaration shall be free from judicial interference for 30 days after it is first issued.
(c) Within 30 days after the declaration of emergency, the Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia shall convene at the call of its presiding officer or the President to consider revocation, amendment, or extension of the declaration. Unless it expires by its own terms, is revoked, or extended, a declaration of emergency is effective for 30 days.
ARTICLE XI
Judicial
Section 1. The judicial power of the national government is vested
in a Supreme Court and inferior
courts established by
statute.
Section 2. The Supreme Court is a court of record and the
highest court in the nation. It consists of the Chief Justice and not more than
5
associate justices. Each justice is a member of both the trial division and
the appellate division, except that sessions of the trial
division may be held
by one justice. No justice may sit with the appellate division in a case heard
by him in the trial division.
At least 3 justices shall hear and decide appeals.
Decision is by a majority of those sitting.
Section 3. The Chief
Justice and associate justices of the Supreme Court are appointed by the
President with the approval of 2/3 of Congress.
Justices serve during good
behavior.
Section 4. If the Chief Justice is unable to perform his
duties he shall appoint an associate justice to act in his stead. If the office
is
vacant, or the Chief Justice fails to make the appointment, the President
shall appoint an associate justice to act as Chief Justice
until the vacancy is
filled or the Chief Justice resumes his duties.
Section 5. The
qualifications and compensation of justices and other judges may be prescribed
by statute. Compensation of judges may not be
diminished during their terms of
office unless all salaries prescribed by statute are reduced by a uniform
percentage.
Section 6. (a) The trial division of the Supreme Court has original and exclusive jurisdiction in cases affecting officials of foreign governments, disputes between states, admiralty or maritime cases, and in cases in which the national government is a party except where an interest in land is at issue.
(b) The national courts, including the trial division of the Supreme Court, have concurrent original jurisdiction in cases arising under this Constitution; national law or treaties; and in disputes between a state and a citizen of another state, between citizens of different states, and between a state or a citizen thereof, and a foreign state, citizen, or subject.
(c) When jurisdiction is concurrent, the proper court may be prescribed by statute.
Section 7. The appellate division of the
Supreme Court may review cases heard in the national courts, and cases heard in
state or local courts
if they require interpretation of this Constitution,
national law, or a treaty. If a state constitution permits, the appellate
division
of the Supreme Court may review other cases on appeal from the highest
state court in which a decision may be had.
Section 8. When a case
in a state or local court involves a substantial question requiring the
interpretation of the Constitution, national
law, or a treaty, on application of
a party or on its own motion the court shall certify the question to the
appellate division of
the Supreme Court. The appellate division of the Supreme
Court may decide the case or remand it for further
proceedings.
Section 9. The Chief Justice is the chief
administrator of the national judicial system and may appoint an administrative
officer who is exempt
from civil service. The Chief Justice shall make and
publish and may amend rules governing national courts, and by rule may:
(a) divide the inferior national courts and the trial division of the Supreme Court into geographical or functional divisions;
(b) assign judges among the divisions of a court and give special assignments to retired Supreme Court justices and judges of state and other courts;
(c) establish rules of procedure and evidence;
(d) govern the transfer of cases between state and national courts;
(e) govern the admission to practice and discipline of attorneys and the retirement of judges; and
(f) otherwise provide for the administration of the national judiciary. Judicial rules may be amended by statute.
Section 10. The
Congress shall contribute to the financial support of State judicial systems and
may provide other assistance.
Section 11. Court decisions shall be
consistent with this Constitution, Micronesian customs and traditions, and the
social and geographical configuration
of Micronesia. In rendering a decision,
the court must consult and apply sources of the Federated States of
Micronesia.
ARTICLE XII
Finance
Section 1. (a) Public money raised or received by the national government shall be deposited in a General Fund or special funds within the national Treasury. Money may not be withdrawn from the General Fund or special funds except by law.
(b) Foreign financial assistance received by the national government shall be deposited in a Foreign Assistance Fund. Except where a particular distribution is required by the terms or special nature of the assistance, each state shall receive a share equal to the share of the national government and to the share of every other state.
Section 2. (a) The President shall submit an annual budget to Congress at a time prescribed by statute. The budget shall contain a complete plan of proposed expenditures, anticipated revenues, and other money available to the national government for the next fiscal year, together with additional information that Congress may require. The Congress may alter the budget in any respect.
(b) No appropriation bills, except those recommended by the President for immediate passage, or to cover the operating expenses of Congress, may be passed on final reading until the bill appropriating money for the budget has been enacted.
(c) The President may item veto an appropriation in any bill passed by Congress, and the procedure in such case shall be the same as for disapproval of an entire bill by the President.
Section 3. (a) The Public Auditor is appointed by the President with the advice and consent of Congress. He serves for a term of 4 years and until a successor is confirmed.
(b) The Public Auditor shall inspect and audit accounts in every branch, department, agency or statutory authority of the national government and in other public legal entities or nonprofit organizations receiving public funds from the national government. Additional duties may be prescribed by statute.
(c) The Public Auditor shall be independent of administrative control except that he shall report at least once a year to Congress. His salary may not be reduced during his term of office.
(d) The Congress may remove the Public Auditor from office for cause by 2/3 vote. In that event the Chief Justice shall appoint an acting Public Auditor until a successor is confirmed.
ARTICLE XIII
General Provisions
Section 1. The national government of the Federated States of
Micronesia recognizes the right of the people to education, health care, and
legal
services and shall take every step reasonable and necessary to provide
these services.
Section 2. Radioactive, toxic chemical, or other
harmful substances may not be tested, stored, used, or disposed of within the
jurisdiction
of the Federated States of Micronesia without the express approval
of the national government of the Federated States of
Micronesia.
Section 3. It is the solemn obligation of the national
and state governments to uphold the provisions of this Constitution and to
advance the
principles of unity upon which this Constitution is
founded.
Section 4. A noncitizen, or a corporation not wholly
owned by citizens, may not acquire title to land or waters in
Micronesia.
Section 5. A lease agreement for the use of land for
an indefinite term by a noncitizen, corporation not wholly owned by citizens, or
any government
is prohibited. An existing agreement becomes void 5 years after
the effective date of this Constitution. Within that time, a new
agreement shall
be concluded between the parties. When the national government is a party, it
shall initiate negotiations.
Section 6. The national government of
the Federated States of Micronesia shall seek renegotiation of any agreement for
the use of land to which
the government of the United States of America is a
party.
Section 7. On assuming office, all public officials shall
take an oath to uphold, promote, and support the laws and the Constitution as
prescribed
by statute.
ARTICLE XIV
Amendments
Section 1. An amendment to this Constitution may be proposed by a
constitutional convention, popular initiative, or Congress in a manner provided
by law. A proposed amendment shall become a part of the Constitution when
approved by 3/4 of the votes cast on that amendment in
each of 3/4 of the
states. If conflicting constitutional amendments submitted to the voters at the
same election are approved, the
amendment receiving the highest number of
affirmative votes shall prevail to the extent of such
conflict.
Section 2. At least every 10 years, Congress shall
submit to the voters the question: "Shall there be a convention to revise or
amend the Constitution?".
If a majority of ballots cast upon the question is in
the affirmative, delegates to the convention shall be chosen no later than
the
next regular election, unless Congress provides for the selection of delegates
earlier at a special election.
ARTICLE XV
Transition
Section 1. A statute of the Trust Territory continues in effect
except to the extent it is inconsistent with this Constitution, or is amended
or
repealed. A writ, action, suit, proceeding, civil or criminal liability,
prosecution, judgment, sentence, order, decree, appeal,
cause of action,
defense, contract, claim, demand, title, or right continues unaffected except as
modified in accordance with the
provisions of this
Constitution.
Section 2. A right, obligation, liability, or
contract of the government of the Trust Territory is assumed by the Federated
States of Micronesia
except to the extent it directly affects or benefits a
government of a District not ratifying this Constitution.
Section
3. An interest in property held by the government of the Trust Territory is
transferred to the Federated States of Micronesia for retention
or distribution
in accordance with this Constitution.
Section 4. A local
government and its agencies may continue to exist even though its charter or
powers are inconsistent with this Constitution.
To promote an orderly transition
to the provisions of this Constitution, and until state governments are
established, Congress shall
provide for the resolution of inconsistencies
between local government charters and powers, and this Constitution. This
provision
ceases to be effective 5 years after the effective date of this
Constitution.
Section 5. The Congress may provide for a smooth and
orderly transition to government under this Constitution.
Section
6. In the first congressional election, congressional districts are
apportioned among the States as follows: Kusaie-1; Marianas-2; Marshalls-4;
Palau-2; Ponape-3; Truk-5; Yap-1. If Kusaie is not a state at the time of the
first election, four members shall be elected on the
basis of population in
Ponape.
ARTICLE XVI
Effective Date
Section 1. This Constitution takes effect 1 year after
ratification unless the Congress of Micronesia by joint resolution specifies an
earlier
date. If a provision of this Constitution is held to be in fundamental
conflict with the United Nations Charter or the Trusteeship
Agreement between
the United States of America and the United Nations, the provision does not
become effective until the date of
termination of the Trusteeship
Agreement.
-------------------------------
Editor's note: Resolution No. 32 of the Micronesian Constitutional
Convention, adopted October 24, 1975, states: "WHEREAS, in establishing the
government for the new Federated States of Micronesia, and making provision for
the governing of the various States, the question
has arisen over whether this
affects the traditional leaders of Micronesia. It is not the intention of the
Delegates to the Micronesian
Constitutional Convention to affect adversely any
of the relationships which prevail between traditional leaders and the people of
Micronesia, nor to diminish in any way the full honor and respect to which they
are entitled; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Micronesian
Constitutional Convention of 1975 that it is the consensus of this Convention
that all due honor
and respect continue to be accorded the traditional leaders
of Micronesia, and nothing in the Constitution of the Federated States
of
Micronesia is intended in any way to detract from the role and function of
traditional leaders in Micronesia or to deny them the
full honor and respect
which is rightfully theirs; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that upon the
signing of the Constitution, this Resolution be included with all duplications
of the Constitution
so that the intent of the Delegates may be evident to all
who read the Constitution of the Federated States of Micronesia."
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