Territories and Possessions

An Independent Team to Decode Government

GovFacts is a nonpartisan site focused on making government concepts and policies easier to understand — and government programs easier to access.

Our articles are referenced by trusted think tanks and publications including Brookings, CNN, Forbes, Fox News, The Hill, and USA Today.

All Articles on Territories and Possessions

How to Add a New Star to the American Flag

The American flag's field of 50 stars appears as a static, timeless icon. Yet the flag isn't a finished work—it's…

GovFacts

DC Home Rule Act Explained: How Washington’s Limited Self-Government Works

The District of Columbia Home Rule Act is the 1973 federal law that established locally elected government for Washington, D.C.…

GovFacts

Understanding the Federal Takeover of D.C. Police

On August 11, 2025, President Donald Trump announced an unprecedented federal takeover of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and…

Alison O'Leary

How the President Can Take Control of D.C. Police

Washington DC sits in a unique legal position that gives the federal government extraordinary power over its local affairs. More…

GovFacts

Understanding the Relationship Between D.C. and the Federal Government

Washington, D.C., isn't like any other American city. It's not a state, and it's not part of one. Instead, it's…

GovFacts

Territories and Possessions

An Independent Team to Decode Government

Dive Deeper Into Territories and Possessions

District of Columbia

All Articles on Territories and Possessions

How to Add a New Star to the American Flag

DC Home Rule Act Explained: How Washington’s Limited Self-Government Works

Understanding the Federal Takeover of D.C. Police

How the President Can Take Control of D.C. Police

Understanding the Relationship Between D.C. and the Federal Government

About Us

Read More