Should U.S. Territories Be States? | Civics Made Easy

Did you know the United States has territories with thousands, if not millions, of U.S. citizens living on them? But not every territory grants U.S. citizenship to those born there. And even so, citizens living in territories don’t have the same rights as citizens living in states. Ben Sheehan explains the history, legality, and tax status of U.S. territories—and whether or not they should become states.

About the Author:

Niles Mattier is a faculty member at Bridgewater State University, teaching pre-service teachers in the College of Education and Health Sciences. Previously, he taught in the graduate school of education at Bank Street College of Education and worked as an English as a New Language, special education, and history teacher in Boston and New York City.