Constitution of the Federated States of Micronesia

The Constitution of the Federated States of Micronesia was ratified on 1 October 1978, after drafting that began in June 1975, and took effect on 10 May 1979, a date now celebrated as Constitution Day. It is modeled on the Constitution of the United States, with a separation of powers among executive, legislative and judicial branches and a federal system, but departs from its model by using a unicameral legislature. The National Congress has fourteen senators: four represent the four member states for four year terms, and ten are apportioned by population for two year terms; the Congress itself elects the president and vice president. The constitution has been amended once, in 1990, and it prohibits non-citizens from owning land within the federation.