U.S. territorial sovereignty

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U.S. Territorial Sovereignty

U.S. territorial sovereignty refers to the legal and political authority that the United States exercises over its territories. This concept encompasses the control and governance of areas that are not part of the 50 U.S. states or the District of Columbia. The U.S. territories include regions such as Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Historical Background

The concept of U.S. territorial sovereignty has evolved since the country's founding. Initially, the United States expanded its territory through various means, including purchase, treaty, and annexation. Notable examples include the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and the acquisition of Alaska in 1867.

Legal Framework

The legal framework governing U.S. territorial sovereignty is primarily derived from the U.S. Constitution, federal laws, and Supreme Court decisions. The Territorial Clause (Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2) of the Constitution grants Congress the power to "dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States."

Types of U.S. Territories

U.S. territories are classified into two main categories: incorporated territories and unincorporated territories.

• Incorporated territories are regions that are considered integral parts of the United States, where the full Constitution applies. However, there are currently no incorporated territories.
• Unincorporated territories are regions where only fundamental constitutional rights apply. These territories have varying degrees of self-governance and representation in the U.S. Congress.

Current U.S. Territories

• Puerto Rico: An unincorporated territory with a significant degree of self-governance. Residents are U.S. citizens but cannot vote in presidential elections.
• Guam: An unincorporated territory with a civilian government. Residents are U.S. citizens but have limited representation in Congress.
• U.S. Virgin Islands: An unincorporated territory with a civilian government. Residents are U.S. citizens but cannot vote in presidential elections.
• American Samoa: An unincorporated territory with a traditional local government. Residents are U.S. nationals but not U.S. citizens.
• Northern Mariana Islands: An unincorporated territory with a commonwealth status, providing a higher degree of self-governance.

Governance and Representation

Each U.S. territory has its own local government, which operates under a constitution or organic act approved by Congress. The territories are represented in the U.S. Congress by non-voting delegates in the House of Representatives. These delegates can participate in debates and committee work but cannot vote on the House floor.

Challenges and Controversies

U.S. territorial sovereignty has been subject to various challenges and controversies, including debates over the political status of territories, the rights of residents, and the economic and social conditions in these regions. The question of statehood for territories like Puerto Rico has been a recurring issue in U.S. politics.

Related Pages

• United States
• Puerto Rico
• Guam
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• American Samoa
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Territorial Clause
• Supreme Court of the United States
• Statehood movement in Puerto Rico