[1] American Samoa became a United States territory in 1900 and was initially administered by the Navy.

From 1905, annual meetings were held with delegates sent from the local communities, as an advisory council to the naval governor.

[2][3][4][5] This legislature was reformed in 1952, after administration of American Samoa had been transferred to the Department of the Interior.

Senators were elected in open meetings, according to Samoan custom, and had to be holders of a matai title.

Under both constitutions, senators are elected according to Samoan custom by the county councils and must be holders of a matai title.