Governing western territories means establishing systems and structures to manage and control lands located in the western regions of a country, including aspects like legal jurisdiction, governance, and administration.
Related terms
Northwest Ordinance (1787): Legislation passed by Congress that provided guidelines for governing newly acquired territories in the Northwest Territory.
Manifest Destiny: The belief prevalent during the 19th century that it was America's destiny to expand westward across North America.
Homestead Act (1862): A law passed to encourage settlement in western territories by granting individuals ownership of land after meeting certain requirements.