In light of Micronesia's recent election, Williams gives a brief history of the country's origin as a commonwealth of the United States. Following World War II, the Marianas were placed in a strategic trusteeship and used for defense purposes. In return, the U.S. nurtured a system of self-government. In 1975, the Northern Marianas Commonwealth Covenant was formally signed. Williams enumerates the stipulations of the covenant, and explains how the U.S. will use the islands as a supplement for foreign bases and training exercises.