How are US territories governed?

The governing systems of U.S. territories vary depending on the specific territory:

1. Unincorporated Territories: These territories are not considered part of the United States' national territory and are not subject to the US Constitution. They include American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These territories have varying degrees of self-governance, with locally elected officials and local governments, but limited participation in federal matters and varying levels of federal oversight and control.

2. Incorporated Territories: Puerto Rico is the only currently incorporated U.S. territory. Incorporated territories are considered part of the United States, but their residents are not granted full U.S. citizenship. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, but they cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections and have no voting representation in Congress. Puerto Rico has its own elected governor and legislature and administers its internal affairs, but it must comply with certain federal laws and regulations, and federal authorities retain ultimate decision-making power.

3. Federally Administered Territories: These are areas under U.S. jurisdiction that are not considered part of any state or incorporated territory. They include the District of Columbia, Palmyra Atoll, Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Atoll, Navassa Island, and Wake Island. These territories vary in their levels of administration, with some having locally elected officials and some being directly governed by the federal government.

The specific governance structures and relationship with the U.S. government can differ among these territories and are determined by federal laws, treaties, and agreements.