U.S. territories are regions that are under the jurisdiction of the United States but are not states. These areas have their own local governments and some degree of self-governance, but they do not have the same rights as states, such as voting representation in Congress. Examples of U.S. territories include Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The residents of these territories are U.S. citizens, but their rights can vary. For instance, people in Puerto Rico can vote in presidential primaries but not in the general election. U.S. territories play a unique role in American culture and politics, contributing to the nation's diversity.