Territories and Possessions
Territories and possessions are places under United States authority that are not states. They include island territories, Puerto Rico, and the federal district that holds the capital. Residents often have a different relationship to Congress, taxes, and federal programs than residents of states. The topic covers how these places are governed and the debates over their political status.
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Topics in Territories and Possessions
The capital
The federal district that holds the seat of government, with its unusual self-rule and ties to Congress, is covered under District of Columbia.
All Articles on Territories and Possessions
The Last Time the U.S. Acquired Territory: How Alaska and Hawaii Became States
In 1867, the U.S. bought what's now Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million in gold, roughly two cents an acre. That purchase and the…
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 a living document designed…
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. for the first time…
Trump’s 2025 Takeover of D.C. Police, Explained
On August 11, 2025, President Donald Trump announced an unprecedented federal takeover of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and deployed the National Guard.…
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 a constitutionally mandated federal…