# 1991 Micronesian constitutional referendum

A 26-part constitutional referendum was held in the Federated States of Micronesia on 2 July 1991. Only four of the proposals to amend the constitution were approved by voters.

## Results

| # | Proposal | Outcome |
| 1 | Four year term of office for Congress members | Rejected |
| 2 | List of judges with special responsibilities | Rejected |
| 3 | Powers of the Supreme Court | Rejected |
| 4 | Constitutional amendments by simple majority in each state | Rejected |
| 5 | Clarification of the term of office of the President | Rejected |
| 6 | Independent Anti-Corruption Prosecutor | Rejected |
| 7 | Co-ordination of government projects with the states | Rejected |
| 8 | Individual states ability to impose additional taxes on import duties | Rejected |
| 9 | No public funds for Congress members | Rejected |
| 10 | Powers for education and social security | Approved |
| 11 | Consent of the individual states for a new civil rights law | Rejected |
| 12 | Repeal of the ban on indefinite leases of land under certain circumstances | Approved |
| 13 | Traditional ownership of land for sub-sea reefs | Rejected |
| 14 | Fifty percent of government revenue transferred to the states | Rejected |
| 15 | Temporary land rights as collateral for loans | Rejected |
| 16 | Exclusive application of Micronesian jurisdiction | Approved |
| 17 | Repeal of facilitated repatriation of former residents | Rejected |
| 18 | Veto of presidential decisions with a three-quarter majority in Congress | Rejected |
| 19 | Restricting Congress to defining only national crime | Approved |
| 20 | Powers of individual states on foreign investment | Rejected |
| 21 | Inconsistencies of local laws with the Constitution; first congressional elections | Rejected |
| 22 | Powers of the President to grant amnesties | Rejected |
| 23 | Liability of all official acts of the states | Rejected |
| 24 | Access of the public auditor | Rejected |
| 25 | Introduction of a chamber of traditional chiefs | Rejected |
| 26 | New title for Chapter I | Rejected |

## Passed amendments

| # | Section | Old text | New text |
| 10 | Chapter IX article 2 section r | New section | The following powers are expressly delegated to Congress: (r) to promote education and health by setting minimum standards, coordinating state activities relating to foreign assistance, providing training and assistance to the states and providing support for post-secondary educational programs and projects. |
| 10 | Chapter IX article 3 section c | The following powers may be exercised concurrently by Congress and the states: (c) to establish systems of social security and public welfare, to promote education and health, and | The following powers may be exercised concurrently by Congress and the states: (c) to establish systems of social security and public welfare. |
| 12 | Chapter XIII article 5 | An agreement for the use of land for an indefinite term is prohibited. An existing agreement becomes void 5 years after the effective date of this Constitution. Within that time, a new agreement shall be concluded between the parties. When the national government is a party, it shall initiate negotiations. | A lease agreement for the use of land for an indefinite term by a noncitizen, a corporation not wholly owned by citizens, or any government is prohibited. |
| 16 | Chapter XI article 11 | Court decisions shall be consistent with this Constitution, Micronesian customs and traditions, and the social and geographical configuration of Micronesia. | Court decisions shall be consistent with this Constitution, Micronesian customs and traditions, and the social and geographical configuration of Micronesia. In rendering a decision, the court must consult and apply sources of the Federated States of Micronesia. |
| 19 | Chapter IX article 2 section p | The following powers are expressly delegated to Congress: (p) to define major crimes and prescribe penalties, having due regard for local custom and tradition | The following powers are expressly delegated to Congress: (p) to define national crimes and prescribe penalties, having due regard for local custom and tradition |