Ever heard of Guam or Puerto Rico and wondered about their relationship with the United States? The U.S. is more than just the 50 states we often picture on a map. It also encompasses a number of territories, each with its own unique history and current status. Understanding these territories is crucial because it sheds light on issues of citizenship, self-determination, and the ongoing evolution of American identity and governance. The residents of these territories, many of whom are U.S. citizens or nationals, deserve to have their voices heard and their concerns addressed within the framework of American democracy.
These territories, some acquired through purchase, others through war, and still others through agreements, present complex questions about representation, economic development, and cultural preservation. The relationship between the U.S. and its territories is a dynamic one, shaped by legal precedents, political considerations, and the aspirations of the people who call these places home. Furthermore, understanding this relationship is critical for anyone interested in American history, civics, and the ongoing debates surrounding colonialism and sovereignty.
What are the key facts about U.S. territories?
What defines a U.S. territory?
A U.S. territory is a geographic area under the sovereignty of the United States federal government but is not a state within the Union. These territories are not represented by voting members in the U.S. Congress, and their residents typically do not vote in presidential elections, though they are generally U.S. citizens or nationals.
U.S. territories exist because of historical expansion, acquisition, or strategic importance. The relationship between the U.S. and its territories is defined by the U.S. Constitution, specifically the Insular Cases, a series of Supreme Court decisions that established a doctrine of "unincorporated" territories. This doctrine holds that the Constitution does not automatically apply in its entirety to these territories; instead, Congress decides which constitutional rights apply. The exact status and degree of self-government vary among the territories, as determined by acts of Congress. Some territories, like Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, have locally elected governors and legislatures, while others might have a more limited form of self-governance. Furthermore, the question of whether a territory should become a state, remain a territory, or pursue independence is often a subject of ongoing debate and political movements within the territory itself.What are the current US territories?
The current US territories are American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These are areas under U.S. sovereignty but are not incorporated into the United States as states, and residents generally do not have the same rights and privileges as U.S. citizens residing within the states.
These territories have varying degrees of self-government. For example, Puerto Rico and Guam have locally elected governors and legislatures, while American Samoa has a unique political structure with ties to traditional Samoan governance. Residents of most territories are U.S. citizens, with the exception of American Samoa where they are U.S. nationals. This distinction affects their ability to vote in presidential elections and hold certain federal jobs. The relationship between the United States and its territories has evolved over time, often sparking debate about issues of self-determination, economic development, and equal rights. The question of statehood, independence, or continued territorial status remains a prominent political issue in several of these territories, with ongoing referendums and discussions about their future relationship with the United States.How can a territory become a state?
A territory of the US can become a state through a process outlined, but not explicitly defined, by the US Constitution and refined by historical practice. This typically involves the territory petitioning Congress for statehood, Congress passing an enabling act authorizing the territory to draft a state constitution, the territory holding a referendum to approve the constitution, and finally, Congress voting to admit the territory as a new state of the Union.
While the Constitution grants Congress the power to admit new states (Article IV, Section 3), it doesn't prescribe a precise procedure. Over time, a common path has evolved. First, residents of the territory must express a clear desire for statehood, usually through a vote or referendum. Then, the territory's government petitions Congress, making their case for admission, highlighting factors such as population size, economic viability, and the political will of the residents. Congress then assesses the territory's readiness and suitability for statehood based on these and other considerations. If Congress approves, it typically passes an "enabling act." This act authorizes the territory to organize a constitutional convention and draft a state constitution. The proposed constitution must be republican in form and consistent with the US Constitution. After the constitution is drafted and approved by the territory's voters, it is submitted to Congress. Congress then reviews the constitution. If Congress approves the constitution and finds the territory is ready for statehood, it passes a joint resolution formally admitting the territory into the Union as a new state. The President's signature is not required for the resolution to pass.Do people in U.S. territories pay federal taxes?
The answer is nuanced, but generally, residents of U.S. territories do pay some federal taxes, though not necessarily all the same taxes as residents of the 50 states. The specific taxes paid and their applicability vary depending on the specific territory and the nature of the income or tax in question.
For example, residents of Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa are generally subject to U.S. federal income tax, but with some important differences. In some cases, they pay taxes to the territory's government, which then remits a portion to the U.S. Treasury. In other cases, the applicability of federal income tax is based on source of income: income earned within the territory is generally taxed by the territorial government, while income earned outside the territory might be subject to U.S. federal income tax. Payroll taxes, such as Social Security and Medicare taxes, generally apply to residents of U.S. territories in the same way they apply to residents of the states. Similarly, federal excise taxes on goods like alcohol and tobacco are also generally collected in U.S. territories. However, residents of U.S. territories do not have full voting representation in Congress, despite contributing to the federal tax system in some capacity.What is the relationship between the federal government and territories?
The relationship between the federal government and U.S. territories is defined by the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress plenary power over territories, meaning Congress has broad authority to govern them. This power extends to determining the extent to which constitutional rights apply in the territories and establishing the territories' governmental structures.
The extent of federal authority over territories stems from the Insular Cases, a series of Supreme Court decisions in the early 20th century. These cases established the doctrine of "unincorporated" territories, which are possessions of the United States but not fully integrated into the country. Residents of unincorporated territories do not necessarily have all the same constitutional rights as citizens residing in states. Congress decides on a case-by-case basis which constitutional provisions apply. "Incorporated" territories, on the other hand, are considered on a path to statehood and generally enjoy the full protections of the Constitution. The federal government also provides financial assistance to territories through various programs and agencies. This assistance can include funding for infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and other essential services. However, territories often receive less federal funding than states with similar populations, and their residents generally cannot vote in presidential elections or have full representation in Congress, highlighting a complex and often debated aspect of their relationship with the federal government.Can residents of U.S. territories vote in presidential elections?
Generally, no. Residents of U.S. territories cannot vote for President and Vice President in the general election. While they are U.S. nationals or citizens (depending on the territory), their lack of residency in a U.S. state prevents them from participating in the Electoral College.
The right to vote for President is tied to residency in a U.S. state. The Electoral College, established by the Constitution, allocates electoral votes to each state based on its population. Since U.S. territories are not states, they do not receive electoral votes, and their residents are therefore disenfranchised in presidential elections. This has led to ongoing debates about representation and equal rights for those living in these territories.
It is important to note that residents of U.S. territories *can* participate in presidential primary elections if they are members of a major political party that holds primaries or caucuses in the territory. Furthermore, residents of U.S. territories can vote if they establish residency in a U.S. state. Many advocate for statehood or a constitutional amendment to address the voting rights of territorial residents, arguing that it is a matter of fundamental fairness and democratic principles.
So, there you have it! Hopefully, this has cleared up any confusion about what exactly constitutes a U.S. territory. Thanks for reading, and we hope you'll come back soon for more explanations on all things United States!