Territory
a term applied in the United States to an area similar to a State of the Union, but not having the independent position of one. The unorganized Territories are under the direct control of Congress. Each organized Territory has a governor, appointed by the President for four years, and ratified by the Senate. The Legislature, officially known as the Legislative Assembly, is composed of a council and a house of representatives, chosen every two years by the people. A delegate to Congress is elected for the same term. He has the right of debate, but not a vote in the House. Territorial legislation is subject to Congressional control. Territorial courts are provided for, the judges of which are appointed by the President for four years, and confirmed by the Senate, and over which the Supreme Court of the United States has appellate jurisdiction. Territories are usually admitted as States on attaining a sufficient population. Territories are now administered according to their special requirements, especially in the case of those of recent acquisition, viz. the Panama Canal Zone (1904) and the Virgin Islands (1917).