Everything Everywhere Daily: History, Science, Geography & More US Territories
Sep 28, 2020
Discover the intriguing world of U.S. territories beyond the 50 states. Explore their classifications, legal nuances, and potential pathways to statehood. Delve into American Samoa’s unique status and what it means for its citizens. Learn about the histories and futures of places like Guam and Puerto Rico. Uncover how these territories shape American identity and politics today!
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Modern U.S. Territories Overview
- The U.S. currently has 16 territories but only five have permanent populations.
- Most territories are islands in the Pacific or Caribbean and many were former training grounds for statehood.
Two Legal Dimensions Of Territories
- Territories can be incorporated or unincorporated and organized or unorganized.
- An incorporated territory applies the full U.S. Constitution while organized territories have an Organic Act.
Palmyra Atoll's Odd Status
- Palmyra Atoll is the only currently incorporated U.S. territory, a leftover from Hawaii's statehood process.
- Gary finds its exclusion from Hawaii puzzling despite years of research.