What is defined as a U.S. territory?

A U.S. territory is an area that is under the jurisdiction and sovereignty of the United States but does not have the full status of a state. This means that while the U.S. government has authority over the territory, residents may not have the same rights and representation as citizens in the 50 states. Territories can include regions acquired through various means such as purchase, war, or formal agreements.

The option regarding a federal district specifically pertains to areas like Washington, D.C., which has a unique status but does not encompass all territories. A definition including states that are not part of the mainland is too broad and does not accurately capture the concept of a territory. Lastly, the mention of legislative representation implies a specific political status that territories generally lack compared to states. Therefore, acknowledging a U.S. territory as any area controlled by the United States but not recognized as a state accurately reflects the nuances of its political and legal standing.