Religious groups operate private radio stations. The national Government and the four states publish newsletters. Academic freedom is respected. The Bill of Rights provides for freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and the Government respects these in practice. During political campaigns, citizens often question candidates at public meetings.
Formal associations are uncommon in Micronesia, but student organizations exist.
The Bill of Rights forbids establishment of a state religion and governmental restrictions on freedom of religion. It is silent on foreign travel, emigration, and repatriation, but in practice none of these is restricted. There have been no refugees or asylum seekers in the FSM, and the Government has not formulated a policy regarding refugees, asylees, or first asylum. State governors, state legislators, and municipal governments are all elected by direct popular vote. Political campaigning is unrestricted, and, as there are no established political parties, political support is generally courted from among family and allied clan groupings.