Why are there 50 United States and the territories aren't included?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 08:42:19 -0400

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2016 8:42 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 08:42:40 -0400

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 2 at 2016 9:03 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 09:03:03 -0400

????

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Oct 2 at 2016 10:01 AM

SrA Matthew Knight — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 10:01:15 -0400

I think it's up to the territories if they want to vote to become states. I was reading about it a couple of days ago. If I remember right they poll the population of the territory to see if they want statehood and if they do it goes to D.C. to decide whether or not to grant the territory it's statehood.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Oct 2 at 2016 12:37 PM

LTC John Shaw — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 12:37:44 -0400

Territories are included in the Constitution as a Congressional power with most territories becoming States over time. Most remaining territories are islands with Puerto Rico being the largest.
Note that Washington DC is a federal district, not a territory.
http://everything-everywhere.com/2013/06/27/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-territories-of-the-united-states/

Everything You Need To Know About US Territories

An overview of the history and status of the territories of the United States including Guam, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, American Samoa and CNMI.

Response by Pat McCracken made Oct 2 at 2016 9:33 PM

Pat McCracken — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 21:33:07 -0400

Territories are protectorates of the United States, but have voted to retain their independence.

Response by SFC George Smith made Oct 3 at 2016 6:02 AM

SFC George Smith — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 06:02:53 -0400

interesting thoughts... there are some that should be made into states and some let go on to be separate countries...