A Territorial Legislature is a governing body established in a territory that is not yet a state. It is responsible for creating laws, managing budgets, and addressing local issues. Members of the legislature are typically elected by the residents of the territory, allowing them to have a voice in their governance. Territorial legislatures operate under the authority of the federal government, which retains certain powers. They may have limited legislative authority compared to state legislatures, as they often cannot make laws that conflict with federal laws. This structure helps prepare territories for eventual statehood, as seen in the history of places like Alaska and Hawaii.