What is the governing body in St. Thomas (US Virgin Island)? And, do US Laws apply there?

Answer 1

The island of St. Thomas as well as the other Virgin Islands (St. Croix, St. John, and Water Island) are administered by a Governor who is elected by the people of those Islands (Prior to 1972 the Governor was appointed by the US President) The Legislative Branch consists of 15 senators who are also elected by the citizens. The judicial branch consists of a territorial court system whose judges are appointed by the governor. On a national level the Islands are represented by a congressional delegate, currently Donna Christensen, who is elected by the citizens as well. The delegate represents the people in congress, but has no voting powers. Also, Virgin Islanders cannot vote in US Presidential elections. All US federal laws apply and the citizens are afforded the same rights and protections that all US citizens have.

Answer 2

MRewak answered it nicely. I'll just add that US laws apply here because this is America......just as much America as Guam or Samoa or PR or Boston or New York.....we have Post Offices, Coast Guard, FBI; our Army National Guard unit has done two deployments to Afghanistan, and that 50 star 13 striped flag flying above our buildings and homes is the same one you have.

and NO, you DONT need a passport to come and go from here if you're an American.