Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

The Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is an agreement between the U.S. federal government and the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) that grants the islands a degree of self-governance while remaining part of the United States. It outlines how the CNMI can govern itself, make laws, and manage local issues, while the U.S. retains authority over key areas like defense and currency. The covenant aims to promote local development and autonomy, creating a political status that balances self-rule with national oversight, ensuring the CNMI's interests are represented both locally and federally.