About Us

OUR BACKGROUND

How We Got Our Start

As one of the three main branches of the Kosrae State Government, we attribute our reputation to the lasting customer relationships we’ve developed throughout the years. We believe that all of our citizens deserve the highest level of service, and we are committed to providing just that.

Legislature: Meaning

The term ‘legislature’ is a generic term meaning a body which legislates. The term ‘ Legg means law and “lature’ the place and etymologically Legislature means a place for law-making. Another term, which is used as a synonym of Legislature, is ‘Parliament.’ This word stands derived from the French word ‘Parley’ which means to ‘talk’ or to discuss and deliberate.

In this way, we can say ‘Parliament’ means the place where deliberations are held. Combining the two views, we can say Legislature or Parliament is that branch of government which performs the function of lawmaking through deliberations.

The legislature is that organ of the government which passes the laws of the government. It is the agency which has the responsibility to formulate the will of the state and vest it with legal authority and force. In simple words, the legislature is that organ of the government which formulates laws. Legislature enjoys a very special and important in every democratic state. It is the assembly of the elected representatives of the people and represents national public opinion and power of the people.

Functions of a Legislature:

1. Legislative or Law-making Functions: The first and foremost function of a legislature is to legislate i.e. to make laws. In ancient times, laws used to be either derived from customs, traditions and religious scriptures, or were issued by the kings as their commands. However, in the contemporary era of democracy, legislature is the chief source of law. It is the legislature which formulates the will of the state into laws and gives it a legal character. Legislature transforms the demands of the people into authoritative laws/statutes.

Explore the rest of our site to learn more about what we have to offer, and get in touch with any questions. Kosrae State Legislature is here for you.

The State of Kosrae is one of the four states that make up the Federated States of Micronesia, along with the states of Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Yap. Kosrae is the eastern-most island in the FSM, located approximately 600 kilometers southeast of Pohnpei.

Kosrae is a 109 square kilometer island surrounded by a reef. Kosrae is circular in shape, measuring only 16 kilometers across at its widest point, and it is the only state without an outer island. Kosrae's main natural resources are the abundant marine resources surrounding the island and the beautiful lush green island which has significant agricultural potential. The island is mountainous with a dense jungle, with white coral sand beaches around the rim. Kosrae is known for its citrus fruit which includes delicious oranges, tangerines, and limes. Legend has it that Kosrae was shaped by the gods from the transformed figure of a sleeping lady. Indeed, the skyline from many parts of Kosrae reveal the silhouette of a female body. Kosrae State has its own constitutional government with three co-equal branches of government consisting of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

The Executive Branch is headed by a Governor and Lt. Governor who appoint their own cabinet members and are primarily responsible for executing the laws and administering state government services. See, Art. V of the Kosrae Constitution.

The legislative or law making power of the state is vested in the Kosrae Legislature whose jurisdiction extends to all rightful subjects of legislation not inconsistent with its constitution. The Legislature is composed of 14 Senators who are elected by the voters of the electoral districts of Lelu, Malem, Tafunsak, and Utwe. See, Art. IV of the Kosrae Constitution.

The judicial power of the State is vested in the Kosrae State Court and such inferior courts as may be created by law. The judiciary interprets the constitution and laws of the state. The decisions of the Kosrae State Court are appealable to the Appellate Division of the FSM Supreme Court as stated in Art. VI, Sect. 6, of the Kosrae Constitution. See, Art. VI of the Kosrae Constitution.