History and Politics of the C.N.M.I

For several thousands of years, the islands were home to the indigenous peoples. The islands were at many times throughout history under the control of various colonial powers from the Spanish, Germans, and Japanese. During World War Two the islands were taken over by the United States. After the war, the islands were placed under a Trust Territory administered by the United States. In 1975, the Northern Marianas entered into a political union with the United States when it signed the Covenant. This document defines the relationship between the C.N.M.I and the United States in the context of politics. The C.N.M.I’s political structure closely resembles that of the United States with the C.N.M.I having its own Constitution, Senate and House of Representatives, and its own political parties such as the Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. The C.N.M.I, as a whole, is under the leadership of a governor and lieutenant governor who are locally elected. We have a representative to Congress in Washington D.C. who is also locally elected. Our senators, island mayors, and congress are also locally elected. Although our tax system mirrors the IRS in many aspects, we operate our own taxation system as provided by local laws. Aside from the agreements set forth in the Covenant, the C.N.M.I is a self -governing entity within the United States.