The government of FSM is structured along U.S. lines with a Legislative, Executive and Judicial branch. Each of the four constituent states has its own elected governor, lieutenant governor and a unicameral parliament, except for Chuuk, which has a bicameral parliament. The FSM itself has a 14 member National Congress that appoints a President and Vice-President. Governmental functions are overseen by an appointed cabinet led by the President and Vice-President. The FSM oversees all aspects of government except for security and defence, which are provided by the U.S.

All adult FSM citizens over the age of 18 are entitled to vote in elections.