American Samoa’s Constitutional Path Forward: Restoring Majority Rule in Self-Determination,www.govinfo.gov

American Samoa’s Constitutional Path Forward: Restoring Majority Rule in Self-Determination

Washington D.C. – A significant legislative development promises to reshape the constitutional landscape of American Samoa. On December 21, 2024, at 5:45 AM Eastern Time, the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) published H.R. 6062 (ENR), an Act aimed at restoring the ability of the people of American Samoa to approve amendments to their territorial constitution through majority rule, a cornerstone of democratic self-determination.

This pivotal legislation clarifies and reaffirms the process by which American Samoa can amend its constitution. It specifically references the historical delegation of authority for administering Federal territorial law in the territory to the President, and subsequently to the Secretary of the Interior under Executive Order 10264, dated June 29, 1951. It was under this Executive Order that the current Constitution of American Samoa was approved.

The Act emphasizes that, as per the established framework, amendments to the Constitution of American Samoa may proceed without requiring further specific congressional action. This is, of course, understood within the overarching authority of Congress as outlined in the Territorial Clause of Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 of the United States Constitution.

H.R. 6062 (ENR) signifies a commitment to empowering the residents of American Samoa to have a more direct and democratic say in shaping their own governance. By restoring the principle of majority rule in constitutional amendment processes, the Act aligns with principles of self-governance and democratic participation.

The legislation’s careful language acknowledges the existing legal and executive frameworks that have governed American Samoa’s constitutional development. It seeks to provide clarity and a strengthened foundation for the people of American Samoa to exercise their right to self-determination through the democratic amendment of their territorial constitution. This development is a notable step in the ongoing relationship between the United States and its territories, highlighting the importance of respecting the will of the people in matters of constitutional governance.

H.R. 6062 (ENR) – An Act To restore the ability of the people of American Samoa to approve amendments to the territorial constitution based on majority rule in a democratic act of self-determination, as authorized pursuant to an Act of Congress delegating administration of Federal territorial law in the territory to the President, and to the Secretary of the Interior under Executive Order 10264, dated June 29, 1951, under which the Constitution of American Samoa was approved and may be amended without requirement for further congressional action, subject to the authority of Congress under the Territorial Clause in article IV, section 3, clause 2 of the United States Constitution.

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www.govinfo.gov published ‘H.R. 6062 (ENR) – An Act To restore the ability of the people of American Samoa to approve amendments to the territorial constitution based on majority rule in a democratic act of self-determination, as authorized pursuant to an Act of Congress delegating administration of Federal territorial law in the territory to the President, and to the Secretary of the Interior under Executive Order 10264, dated June 29, 1951, under which the Constitution of American Samoa was appro ved and may be amended without requirement for further congressional action, subject to the authority of Congress under the Territorial Clause in article IV, section 3, clause 2 of the United States Constitution.’ at 2024-12-21 05:45. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.