Constitution |
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The Constitution of Samoa is a written constitution which is the supreme law in Samoa. It establishes Samoa as a parliamentary republic with a Westminster system and responsible government. It outlines the structure and powers of the Samoan government's three parts: the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
The constitution was drafted by a pair of constitutional conventions in 1954 and 1960. The final draft was approved by a referendum in 1961, and came into force when Samoa became independent on 1 January 1962.
The constitution can be amended by a two-thirds majority of the Legislative Assembly. It has been frequently amended, especially during the period of Human Rights Protection Party dominance from 1997 to 2021, often for the advantage of the ruling party.