US Territories: Understanding Unincorporated Areas

When people ask what territories the U.S. owns, they're usually curious about the geographical areas under American jurisdiction but outside the 50 states and the District of Columbia. These U.S. territories are diverse, each with a unique history and relationship with the federal government. Our analysis covers the primary inhabited territories, their status, and key characteristics to provide a comprehensive understanding.

What are the Main Inhabited U.S. Territories?

The United States currently administers several inhabited territories, each with a distinct political status. These areas are not states, but they are under U.S. sovereignty. Understanding the differences between incorporated and unincorporated territories, as well as commonwealths, is crucial. — How To Vote On Dancing With The Stars

Puerto Rico: A Commonwealth in Focus

Puerto Rico, a Caribbean island, is perhaps the most well-known U.S. territory. It operates as an unincorporated commonwealth. In our experience, this means its residents are U.S. citizens, can serve in the military, and receive Social Security benefits, but they cannot vote in presidential elections and have no voting representation in Congress.

• Population: Over 3 million
• Economy: Driven by services and manufacturing
• Political Status: Unincorporated Commonwealth

U.S. Virgin Islands: Paradise with Complexities

The U.S. Virgin Islands, also in the Caribbean, consist of several islands, including St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. Like Puerto Rico, it is an unincorporated territory. Residents are U.S. citizens.

• Population: Approximately 100,000
• Economy: Tourism and trade
• Political Status: Unincorporated Territory

Guam: A Strategic Pacific Hub

Located in Micronesia, Guam is the largest and southernmost of the Mariana Islands. It is an unincorporated U.S. territory. Its strategic military importance is significant.

• Population: Around 170,000
• Economy: Government, military, and tourism
• Political Status: Unincorporated Territory

American Samoa: A Polynesian Connection

American Samoa, a group of islands in the South Pacific, is an unincorporated territory. Its residents are generally considered U.S. nationals, not full citizens, though they can apply for citizenship.

• Population: Approximately 50,000
• Economy: Tuna canneries, subsistence agriculture, and remittances
• Political Status: Unincorporated Territory

Northern Mariana Islands: A Commonwealth in the Pacific

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is located north of Guam. It is an unincorporated commonwealth. Its residents are U.S. citizens.

• Population: Approximately 50,000
• Economy: Tourism and garment manufacturing
• Political Status: Unincorporated Commonwealth

What Defines a U.S. Territory?

The designation of a "territory" in U.S. law typically refers to areas subject to U.S. jurisdiction but not part of any U.S. state. The U.S. Constitution applies to them, but not always in full, distinguishing them from states. The Supreme Court's Insular Cases have been instrumental in defining this distinction, establishing that constitutional rights are not automatically incorporated into these territories.

Incorporated vs. Unincorporated Territories

This is a key legal distinction. Incorporated territories are considered by Congress to be an integral part of the U.S., and the Constitution applies in full. Unincorporated territories are not considered by Congress to be an integral part of the U.S., and only so much of the Constitution as Congress extends to them applies.

• Incorporated: Areas intended for eventual statehood. (No currently inhabited territories fit this description.)
• Unincorporated: Areas that Congress has not organized with the intention of future statehood, and where constitutional rights may be selectively applied.

Historical Context of U.S. Territories

Many U.S. territories were acquired through treaties or war, particularly following the Spanish-American War. For example, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines (which later gained independence) were ceded by Spain in 1898. The Northern Mariana Islands were purchased from Spain by Germany and later came under U.S. administration after World War I.

Are There Any Uninhabited U.S. Territories?

Yes, the U.S. also claims several uninhabited islands, often referred to as minor outlying islands. These include islands like Midway Atoll, Wake Island, and various islands in the Pacific and Caribbean. Some of these are designated as wildlife refuges or have military installations. For instance, Midway Atoll is a National Memorial.

Navassa Island: A Disputed Claim

Navassa Island, located between Jamaica and Haiti, is claimed by the U.S. under the Guano Islands Act. However, Haiti also claims the island.

Palmyra Atoll: A Unique Case

Palmyra Atoll is a ring-shaped coral island and part of the Northern Line Islands. It is an incorporated territory of the U.S. and is privately owned but managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Frequently Asked Questions About U.S. Territories

Q1: Are people born in Puerto Rico U.S. citizens?

Yes, individuals born in Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens by birth, as established by the Jones-Shafroth Act of 1917. However, they do not have full voting rights in federal elections.

Q2: Can residents of U.S. territories vote for the U.S. President?

Generally, no. Residents of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands are U.S. citizens or nationals but cannot vote for the President of the United States unless they establish residency in one of the 50 states. — Serbia Vs. Finland: Epic Showdown!

Q3: What is the difference between a territory and a commonwealth?

A commonwealth is a type of unincorporated territory, but it implies a greater degree of self-governance than other unincorporated territories. Both Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands are commonwealths, while the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam are simply unincorporated territories.

Q4: Which U.S. territory has the largest population?

Puerto Rico has the largest population among all U.S. territories, with over 3 million residents.

Q5: Do U.S. territories pay federal income tax?

It varies. U.S. citizens residing in Puerto Rico generally do not pay federal income tax on local income but may pay federal taxes on income earned outside of Puerto Rico. Residents of Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands have different tax structures, often involving local income taxes that may be credited against federal obligations. — Atlanta Falcons Head Coach: A Deep Dive

Q6: What is the significance of the Insular Cases?

The Insular Cases are a series of U.S. Supreme Court decisions from the early 20th century that established the doctrine of "unincorporated territories." These rulings determined that the U.S. Constitution does not apply fully or automatically to territories acquired by the U.S. after the Spanish-American War.

Q7: Are there any U.S. territories that are incorporated?

Currently, there are no inhabited U.S. territories that are classified as incorporated. Historically, areas like Hawaii and Alaska were territories before becoming states, but they were incorporated.

Conclusion

The U.S. administers several territories beyond its 50 states, each with a unique legal status and relationship to the federal government. From the populated islands of Puerto Rico and Guam to strategic Pacific hubs like American Samoa, these territories represent diverse communities with distinct challenges and opportunities. Understanding the legal framework, particularly the distinction between incorporated and unincorporated territories as defined by the Insular Cases, is key to grasping their unique position within the United States. For those seeking more detailed information on specific governance or legal aspects, consulting official government resources such as the Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs is recommended.