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What is the purpose of US territories?
Unlike states, the territories do not have a vote in Congress. They each send a delegate to the House who possesses all powers of a representative besides voting rights, like the ability to debate legislation or sit on committees.
Why did America want new territories?
They needed to find more land for more opportunities for factories and trading. They wanted to try to gain a better economy. With their power, they had a hold of other paces such as Hawaii, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
What does it take for a territory to become a state?
Once the territory meets the requirements of Congress, Congress votes. A simple majority in the House and the Senate is all that is required to make a new state. Once this takes place, the territory becomes a State, and has all the rights, responsibilities, and powers of a State.
Why did the US acquire territories in the Pacific?
The United States already viewed itself as the major power of the Western Hemisphere, as evidenced by the Monroe Doctrine. The United States also grabbed land in the Pacific in order to have coaling stations for its ships on their way to the lucrative markets of Asia.
What is the advantage of being a U.S. territory?
Territory citizens can vote and run for office in the U.S. jurisdiction in which they live. Residents in some territories, like Puerto Rico, can vote in primaries but not the general election. Also, territories are not represented in Congress. The State Department uses the term insular area for U.S. territories.
Do territories have premiers?
Canada’s three territories have premiers as well, though they are technically known as “government leaders”. The premier of Yukon is chosen in the usual fashion, but the premiers of Nunavut and Northwest Territories are selected from within the small and non-partisan elected territorial councils.