American Samoa, a U.S. territory nestled in the heart of the Pacific, stands out not only for its tropical beauty but also for its distinctive legislative structure, particularly its upper house. The Senate of American Samoa is the only legislative body within the United States or its territories where members are not elected by the general voting population but by the Matai, the chiefly nobility of the region. This exclusive electoral process preserves a historic and cultural nuance, intertwining the threads of Samoan tradition with the fabric of modern governance.
The Senate, a part of the American Samoa Fono (legislature), is nonpartisan and is currently made up of 18 senators who serve four-year terms. The origins of this unique system date back to 1900 when American Samoa became a U.S. territory. Initially, annual meetings with local delegates served as an advisory council to the naval governor. It wasn’t until 1948 that a bicameral legislature was established, with the upper house then known as the House of Ali‘i, comprised of high chiefs from the islands. Over time and through constitutional changes, this evolved into the present Senate with Matai titleholders as its electors.
In 1960, the initial constitution of American Samoa was ratified. The Senate was comprised of 15 members: one representing each of the then 14 counties, serving four-year terms, and an additional senator rotating from the then four counties of the Western District, serving two-year terms. In 1967, the revised constitution adjusted the Senate to 18 members, all serving four-year terms: two from the combined counties of Ta‘ū island; one from the combined counties of Ofu-Olosega; three from Ma‘oputasi county; two each from Sua, Itu‘au and Tualauta counties; and one from each of the six remaining counties. Senators, under both constitutions, are elected in accordance with Samoan tradition by the county councils and must hold a matai title.
As per the island’s customs, to become a senator, one must hold a matai title, which can be bestowed upon individuals of either gender, though historically more men have been titled. The Matai selection is a multifaceted process, considering factors such as hereditary right, the wishes of the family clans, and the individual’s character and value to the community. The relevance and strength of this system were highlighted in the American Samoa Bar Associations’ criteria for deciding a matai title, emphasizing the importance of hereditary rights, the support of the majority of clans, and the candidate’s forcefulness, character, and knowledge of Samoan custom.
Furthermore, Samoan society’s patriarchal nature is reflected in the household structure and extends to the political sphere. However, changes are afoot as the number of female Matais grows, illustrated by Fano Solinuu Shimasaki, the first woman to serve in the American Samoa Senate. This gradual shift signals the evolving role of women in Samoan society while respecting the underlying traditional framework.
This Senate’s existence is a testament to the robust preservation of cultural heritage within American Samoa’s political mechanism. Only Matais, part of the nobility and entrusted leaders of their respective families and villages, have the authority to elect senators, ensuring that those who legislate on behalf of the territory are deeply rooted in and understand the customs and traditions that define the Samoan way of life. This blend of traditional leadership within a modern political context is unparalleled in the United States and its territories, lending American Samoa a distinctive place in the tapestry of global governance structures.
Relevant articles:
– American Samoa Senate