The Marshall Islands took the initial steps to leave the Congress of Micronesia in 1973. On May 1, 1979, RMI's constitution became effective.
RMI signed a Compact of Free Association with the U.S. This compact was not very popular, however, especially among the Bikinians. The compact was signed in 1983 and went into effect in 1986. Under the compact, the U.S. has full authority and responsibility for the security and defense of the Marshalls. The Marshallese government is also obligated to refrain from engaging in any actions that would be incompatible with these security and defense responsibilities. The duration of the compact is 15 years. Renegotiations are currently underway to decide on the further relationship between RMI and the U.S.
The Marshallese government is modeled after both the U.S. and Britain. The legislative branch consists of the Nitijela or parliament. Members to this branch are called senators and hold term for four years. The president is elected from the Nitijela and holds office for four years as well. Amata Kabua is the current president.
The judicial branch is composed of four courts: supreme court, high court, district and community courts, and the traditional right courts. Cases are tried by jury or judges.
Click on the flag below to hear the Marshall Islands National Anthem.
