Territories of the United States

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Guam Judicial Center2

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Territories of the United States are regions under the jurisdiction of the United States that are not part of any U.S. state. These territories are classified by their legal status and the degree of autonomy they possess. The United States currently administers 16 territories, five of which are permanently inhabited: Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. The remaining territories are small islands, atolls, and reefs with no permanent population.

History

The history of U.S. territories began in the late 18th century, following the country's independence. Territories have been acquired through various means, including cession, annexation, and purchase. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 established the precedent for the governance of territories and their path to statehood. Over the centuries, territories have played a crucial role in the expansion and development of the United States.

Classification

U.S. territories are classified into two main categories: incorporated and unincorporated territories. Incorporated territories are considered part of the United States, where the U.S. Constitution is fully applicable. Currently, there are no incorporated territories, as all have become states or were given independence. Unincorporated territories, on the other hand, are lands under U.S. sovereignty where the Constitution applies partially. The U.S. Congress holds the power to enact legislation for these territories.

Inhabited Territories

• Puerto Rico - An unincorporated territory with commonwealth status, Puerto Rico has its own constitution and elects its governor and legislative assembly. However, Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens but cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections unless they reside in a state.
• Guam - An unincorporated territory with a civilian government, Guam is strategically important as a military base for the United States in the Pacific.
• U.S. Virgin Islands - This group of islands in the Caribbean is known for its tourism and is an unincorporated territory with a local government.
• Northern Mariana Islands - Similar to Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands have a civilian government and are an unincorporated territory with commonwealth status.
• American Samoa - Distinguished by being the only U.S. territory where people are U.S. nationals but not citizens, American Samoa has a local government and is an unincorporated territory.

Uninhabited Territories

These include territories such as Wake Island, Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Atoll, and Palmyra Atoll. These territories are primarily used for military or environmental purposes.

Governance

The governance of U.S. territories varies. Each inhabited territory has its own constitution and government, which handles local matters. The U.S. Congress retains the authority to legislate for the territories, and federal law often supersedes local law. Residents of territories can elect a non-voting delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Legal Status and Rights

Residents of territories are U.S. citizens (except for American Samoa, where people are U.S. nationals), but their rights and privileges can differ from those of state residents. For example, residents of territories cannot vote in presidential elections and have limited representation in Congress.

Issues and Controversies

The status and treatment of U.S. territories have been subjects of debate. Issues include the lack of representation in Congress, limited voting rights, and debates over self-determination and potential statehood, particularly for Puerto Rico.

Conclusion

The territories of the United States represent a diverse array of cultures, languages, and landscapes. They play a significant role in the nation's strategic interests and reflect the complex history of American expansion. The future of these territories, including questions of statehood and self-determination, remains an ongoing discussion in U.S. politics.

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