Politics & Government Guide · American SamoaPolitics & Government Guide in American Samoa
Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions
American Samoa is an unincorporated US territory with a presidential representative democratic government. Pula Nikolao Pula assumed office as governor following the 2024 election victory. The bicameral Fono legislature features traditional matai-elected Senate alongside popularly elected House.
Government Type
Presidential representative democratic dependency
Legal System
Mixed legal system of US common law and customary law
Head of State
President of the United States Joseph R. Biden Jr.(since 2021)
Head of Government
Governor Pula’ali’i Nikolao Iuli Tuiteleleapaga Pula(Independent)since 2024
Legislature
Major Political Parties
Center-left
Center-right
Voting Rights
American Samoans are US nationals but not citizens; they vote in local elections but not US presidential elections. Only heads of extended families (matai) may run for Senate.
Recent Developments
- Pula Nikolao Pula elected governor in November 2024 runoff, defeating incumbent Lemanu Peleti Mauga
- Incumbent Delegate Amata Coleman Radewagen reelected to US House with 75% of vote in 2024
- General elections held November 5, 2024, with gubernatorial runoff on November 19, 2024
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