Generally speaking, it may be said that the governments thus created have been and are of four kinds.

First, there is the class of so-called Unorganized Territories, at present consisting only of Alaska. These have no local self-government but are governed by officials nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, and have for their laws such as have been given them "by Congress. To this class of autocratically governed territories should also possibly be added the Samoan, "Wake, Midway, and Guano Islands which are ruled by officers of the military force of the United States.

Second, there is the whole class of Organized Territories that has included all of the continental territories of the United States except Indian Territory and Alaska, and at the present time embraces New Mexico, Arizona, and Hawaii. The chief executive and judicial officers of these governments are nominated "by the President and confirmed by the Senate and hold office for four years. Their legislatures consist of two Houses, each elected by those inhabitants of the territories who have been given the suffrage by federal law. The law-making power of these bodies is extended "by Congress "to all rightful subjects of legislation not inconsistent with the Constitution and laws of the United States." The laws passed in pursuance of this legislative authority are, of course, not only subject to scrutiny in the courts as to their constitutionality, but may be amended or annulled at any time by an act of Congress.

Third, there is the government of the island of Porto Pico which stands in a class by itself. According to the Foraker Act of April 12, 1900, its governor and chief executive officials and judges are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, and its legislature is composed of two houses, the upper of which consists of the six chief executive officials and five native Porto Ricans, and the lower of thirty-live members elected by popular vote.

Fourthly, and finally, there is the government of the Philippine Islands by means of a Commission appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate under authority granted by act of Congress. Since 1907 there has been also a popularly elected legislative chamber.