Historical1952
Puerto Rico Becomes a Commonwealth
The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico took effect, establishing Puerto Rico's current political status as a self-governing territory of the United States. Residents are U.S. citizens but cannot vote in presidential elections and have no voting representation in Congress.
Why It Matters
Puerto Rico's commonwealth status raises fundamental questions about democratic representation and consent of the governed that remain unresolved, as the island's political status continues to be debated.