The evolution of political systems: The case of Micronesia. A study of the political alternatives available to the peoples of Micronesia and their choice of political statu

On November 3, 1986, President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation ending the United States' trusteeship over three of the four island groups of Micronesia, thus ending more than forty-one years of United States administration. The trusteeship of the fourth island grouping, the Republic of Palau, will end upon resolution of a conflict between its Constitution and the approved Compact of Free Association.;This dissertation is a case study of the evolution of the various political systems that developed during the more than twenty years of negotiations between the leaders of the island peoples and the United States. The focus is on the cultural, historical, and economic forces that influenced the nature of the political status finally adopted by the four island groups. Fundamental to this study is the thesis conclusion that forty years of exposure to the United States political, educational, and economic systems altered the cultural patterns of the islands' inhabitants and resulted in increased expectations which cannot be satisfied by indigenous resources.;The study concludes that, although the political leaders of the new nations view their relationship with the United States as a transitional period leading to complete independence, a more realistic prospect is continuing economic and political independence beyond the terms of the agreement.