Which of the following is considered an outlying possession of the United States?

• A. American Samoa
• B. Puerto Rico
• C. Guam
• D. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Answer: (A)

The correct choice refers to American Samoa as an outlying possession of the United States because it is classified as an unincorporated territory. This means that while American Samoa is under the jurisdiction of the U.S. government, its local laws and governance can differ significantly from those of the states. American Samoa is unique in that it has its own set of laws and a distinct form of associated government.

In contrast, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, while also U.S. territories, each hold different statuses and levels of political and economic integration with the United States. Puerto Rico is a commonwealth that has a significant degree of self-governance and is often discussed in the context of a potential statehood movement. Guam serves as a crucial military base and has its own local government, while the Northern Mariana Islands have a political structure that reflects its connection to the U.S. in a slightly different way. Each of these territories possesses a unique relationship with the U.S., but American Samoa stands out in the context of being categorized specifically as an outlying possession.