Jeff Bingaman: “the U.S. Virgin Islands is an unincorporated territory of the United States that was acquired from Denmark in 1917. It…”

“the U.S. Virgin Islands is an unincorporated territory of the United States that was acquired from Denmark in 1917. It is one of only two United States territories which does not have a locally adopted constitution to provide for basic governmental organization and operations. Instead, the Virgin Islands government operates under the Revised Organic Act of 1954, as amended, a Federal law written by Congress (48 U.S.C. 1541-1645). In 1976, to enhance local self-government, Congress enacted Public Law 94-584, which, as amended, authorizes the people of the Virgin Islands to convene a constitutional convention and draft a constitution. The law provides for two consecutive 60-day periods for Presidential and Congressional review. Upon receiving a proposed constitution from the President, Congress may approve, modify, or amend the document by joint resolution, but if Congress does not act within its 60 legislative day review period, then the constitution is deemed approved by Congress. If Congress approves the proposed constitution, or passes modifications or amendments, it then goes before the Virgin Islands voters to be accepted or rejected in a referendum. Since 1964, the people of the Virgin Islands have attempted five times to write a constitution, but previous efforts have been unsuccessful.”