American Samoa
Capital: Pago Pago · Population: 49,437
Constitutional Basis
American Samoa was ceded to the U.S. by local chiefs in 1900-1904. It adopted a constitution in 1967 (revised 1977) that creates a bicameral Fono (legislature), with the Senate composed of traditional chiefs (matai). It is the only unorganized U.S. territory — Congress has never passed an organic act.
Legal System
American Samoa blends U.S. law with fa'a Samoa (the Samoan way of life). Its legal system uniquely protects communal land ownership, prohibiting land alienation to persons with less than 50% Samoan ancestry. American Samoans are U.S. nationals, not citizens at birth.
Court Structure
The High Court of American Samoa serves as both the trial and appellate court, with a Land and Titles Division that handles customary land and matai title disputes. The court system integrates traditional Samoan customs into its jurisprudence. Appeals go to the D.C. Circuit.
Key American Samoa Laws
Constitution of American Samoa (1967, revised)
American Samoa's constitution creates a legislature (the Fono), protects communal land ownership by ethnic Samoans, and preserves traditional Samoan customs as a matter of law.
Communal Land Protection – Alienation Prohibition
American Samoa prohibits land sales to anyone who is less than 50% ethnically Samoan. Most land is communally owned by extended families and managed by traditional chiefs (matai).
American Samoa Criminal Code
American Samoa's criminal code defines crimes and punishments, with cases heard in the High Court. The code recognizes certain traditional Samoan customs in its application.
American Samoa Minimum Wage and Employment
American Samoa has a unique minimum wage system where rates are set by industry-specific federal committees rather than matching the national minimum wage, with gradual increases over time.
American Samoa Marine Sanctuary and Fisheries Protection
American Samoa protects its marine resources through fishery regulations and the National Marine Sanctuary, one of the largest protected marine areas in the U.S. system.