status once
Islands,
and
arrangements
the trusteeship is
American Samoa,
have
self-government
been
a
terminated.
number
supported
encouraged.
of
and
Currently,
In Guam,
different
further
the
working with Guam in its effort to examine
tionship with the federal government.
its
the Virgin
governmental
efforts
United
toward
States
status and
is
rela-
Self-government has
been an important part
of political development
One commonality linking all the territories is their gra-~
dual move toward greater self-government.
While the early years
of U.S. stewardship of the territories were characterized by
military
administration
and
relatively
few
advances
in
self-
government, the post-World War II period marked a change.
Inhabitants of the territories, who for decades had sought more
autonomy, found support in the Congress and executive branch.
Table 1 summarizes the territories' strides in the past several
decades.
Table1
Trends In Self-Government
Guam
Puerto Rico
American
Samoa
The Virgin
tslands
Northern Martana Islands
Upon term-
.
ination of
Acquired by United States
1898
1898
1900
1917
First Organic Ac* passed?
1950
1900
none
1936
none
1972
1900
1980
1972
none
1950
1900
1960
1936
1977
Recelved nonvoting delegate In U.S, House of
Representatives
Elected first local legista-~
ture with full or substantial legislative authority
Residents are
Granted U.S, citizenship
1950
1917
Elected first governor
1970
1948
Granted constitution
Rejected
by voters
In 1979
mostiy U.S.
nationats®
1952
trusteeship
‘Upon .term-
1927
Ination of
trusteeship
1977
1970
1977
1960
Rejected
by voters
tn 1979
1977
40rganic acts were passed by Congress to establish the local legal framework for governing each
territory, ‘juam and -the Virgin tslands continue to be governed under their respective organic
acts, while Puerto Rico is now a constitutional government.
ba national is defined as a person who Is elther a citizen or noncitizen of the United States,
owing permanent allegiance to the United States,
In general, U.S. nationals enjoy the same
protection and many of the same rights as U.S, citizens,
The trend toward greater self-government has provided a
high degree of local autonomy in each territory and has led to a
10
9000211