Exploring The Territories Of The United States

Exploring The Territories Of The United States — page 1
Chapter 1 The 48 States and Beyond As the United States grew westward after the American Revolution it added new states following a given pattern Each new section of frontier land became a U S territory When 5,000 free men lived there they could form a local government As many as five states could be created out of a territory but 60,000 residents were required to qualify for statehood Citizens of every new state had the same rights and freedoms as all U S citizens including the right to a jury trial and to a public education This pattern was set by the Northwest Ordinance which Congress passed in 1787 Since the end of the nineteenth century however the country has acquired various territories that have not become states The United States now has more territories than any other country and governs the lives of more than 4 6 million people in these territories Jobos Beach near Isabela Puerto Rico is one of the best beaches to learn the sport of surfing due to the great waves on a low depth area 4