Political self-determination in the Northern Mariana Islands was achieved through a challenging process. The residents gained limited political experience under Spanish, German, and Japanese rule. Post-World War II, the United States, under the United Nations, pledged self-determination and self-government for Micronesia, including the Northern Mariana Islands.

Following the war, local governments were established, with the islanders participating in elections for municipal and district legislatures. Chamorro and Carolinian administrators gained valuable experience by implementing local legislature policies.

Desiring U.S. citizenship and a secure connection with the United States, the majority of Northern Mariana Islanders began the quest for citizenship in 1950. Polls in 1958, 1961, and 1963 showed support for reunification with Guam. Although Guam rejected reunification due to political reasons in 1969, the people of the Northern Mariana Islands voted in favor of reunification, leading them to pursue their distinct political status.