Subscription cable television, showing major U.S. programming, is available in Chuuk and Pohnpei. Religious groups operate private radio stations. The national Government and the states of Yap, Chuuk, and Kosrae publish newsletters. The Bill of Rights provides for freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and these rights are honored in practice. During political campaigns, citizens often question candidates at public meetings.
Formal associations are uncommon in Micronesia, but student organizations exist.
The FSM is hospitable to diverse religions, and missionaries of many faiths work within the nation. The Bill of Rights forbids establishment of a state religion and governmental restrictions on freedom of religion. There are no restrictions on freedom of movement. 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.