Bill Overview
Title: To restore 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 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.
Description: This bill repeals the statute that prevents the people of American Samoa from approving amendments or modifications to the constitution of that territory.
Sponsors: Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large]
Target Audience
Population: People of American Samoa
Estimated Size: 49000
- The bill focuses on the ability of inhabitants of American Samoa to approve amendments to their territorial constitution.
- American Samoa is a U.S. territory, thus, while it impacts local governance, there may be broader implications under U.S. territorial laws.
- The population of American Samoa was around 49,000 as of the last census.
- This population constitutes U.S. nationals but not U.S. citizens unless they gain citizenship separately.
- The bill promotes self-determination within the territory, influencing all residents there.
Reasoning
- The policy provides self-determination rights to the people of American Samoa, allowing them to amend their constitution, which should directly impact residents there.
- The total population of American Samoa is roughly 49,000, all of whom could be impacted by this policy due to its local governance implications.
- The policy does not directly affect residents of the continental U.S., but citizens with ties to American Samoa could have a vested interest based on familial or personal connections.
- Given the budgetary limits, the policy implementation cost may primarily cover educational and logistical aspects to enable constitutional amendments' approval processes.
- Considering the unique status of American Samoa, the residents there may have increased morale and control over local affairs, leading to potential improvements in their subjective well-being.
Simulated Interviews
Government Employee (Pago Pago, American Samoa)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited about this policy because it means we will finally have more say in how our local laws are changed.
- This could bring a stronger sense of ownership and engagement within our community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Teacher (Pago Pago, American Samoa)
Age: 46 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Allowing us to approve constitutional amendments can lead to better educational policies over time.
- I'm hopeful this change will reflect positively on our education system.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Lawyer (New York, New York)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's crucial for American Samoa to have the authority to amend its constitution, aligning local laws with community values.
- I believe this would strengthen cultural identity.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Consultant (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I'm not directly affected, I support self-determination for American Samoa.
- This could also shape broader territorial law practices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Business Owner (Ofu, American Samoa)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A change in governance can indirectly impact business through regulation and local affairs management.
- I hope it leads to positive business conditions and development.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Student (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a strong move for self-autonomy within territories.
- It could serve as a case study for similar changes in other territories.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired (Tafuna, American Samoa)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've long waited for us to have control over our constitution.
- This change should help ensure our governance remains relevant to our needs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
College Student (San Francisco, California)
Age: 18 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a young person, the chance to see my home have more governance rights is inspiring.
- I'll probably witness the long-term impacts by the time I return.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Nurse (Fagaalu, American Samoa)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I anticipate this policy will pave the way for better healthcare policies due to constitutional flexibility.
- I'm cautiously optimistic.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Researcher (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
Age: 30 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy's effect on American Samoa can reflect broader governance principles for U.S. territories.
- It's an important step in governance studies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $1000000)
Year 2: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $1000000)
Year 3: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $1000000)
Year 5: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $1000000)
Year 10: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $1000000)
Year 100: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $1000000)
Key Considerations
- The policy emphasizes democratic self-determination and local governance autonomy for American Samoa.
- It aligns with broader U.S. democratic values and principles of self-governance for territories.
- The bill's main impact is political rather than economic, focusing on legal procedural changes.