Which of the following is an example of a U.S. territory?

Which of the following is an example of a U.S. territory?

• A. Hawaii
• B. California
• C. Puerto Rico
• D. Texas

Answer: (C)

Puerto Rico is an example of a U.S. territory because it is an unincorporated territory of the United States. This classification means that while Puerto Rico is under U.S. sovereignty, it does not have the same status as a state. Residents of Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens, but they do not have the full complement of rights that citizens have in the states; for instance, they cannot vote in presidential elections. Additionally, Puerto Rico has its own local government and manages many of its own affairs, but Congress has ultimate authority over the territory. The other options represent states of the United States. Hawaii, California, and Texas are all fully recognized states that participate in the federal system of governance, contributing to and benefiting from the full suite of rights and responsibilities associated with statehood. This distinction is essential for understanding the U.S. political landscape, where territories like Puerto Rico have a different legal status compared to states.

Puerto Rico is an example of a U.S. territory because it is an unincorporated territory of the United States. This classification means that while Puerto Rico is under U.S. sovereignty, it does not have the same status as a state. Residents of Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens, but they do not have the full complement of rights that citizens have in the states; for instance, they cannot vote in presidential elections. Additionally, Puerto Rico has its own local government and manages many of its own affairs, but Congress has ultimate authority over the territory.

The other options represent states of the United States. Hawaii, California, and Texas are all fully recognized states that participate in the federal system of governance, contributing to and benefiting from the full suite of rights and responsibilities associated with statehood. This distinction is essential for understanding the U.S. political landscape, where territories like Puerto Rico have a different legal status compared to states.