Since then, there’s been an ongoing debate about what “commonwealth” means. It is a territory of the United States organized as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico with its own elected Governor and legislature. Puerto Rico is currently a commonwealth of the United States. Puerto Rico. As a commonwealth, they get many national protections, but don't have to pay any federal taxes, which makes it an attractive place for businesses and wealthy people who want to avoid taxes. But, Puerto Rico’s relationship to the United States remains hotly debated. In a 2017 plebiscite, 97% of voters again chose statehood. Under a proposed “enhanced commonwealth” government, Puerto Rico could ignore federal laws, sign treaties with foreign countries, and receive federal funding with no strings attached, all while possessing irrevocable U.S. citizenship and forcing the U.S. to maintain Puerto Rican policies it may no longer want by mandating a “mutual consent” clause in an initial U.S.-Puerto Rico pact. Since 1952, the term “commonwealth” has evolved to describe a potential relationship between the United States and Puerto Rico in which Puerto Rico is given special rights and privileges greater than those enjoyed by states. Since Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of the United States, it follows the United States' customs duties and import tariffs. Required fields are marked *. Another benefit the island enjoys is the aid provided by the United States and the tax exemption the island receives; Puerto Rico is exempt from paying federal taxes. Also known as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the island has its capital in San Juan. The United States is composed of 50 states, plus some additional land that belongs to the U.S. and is governed directly by the federal government. Puerto Rico is currently in a state of financial crisis, expecting to […] But Congress, the only body that can approve new states, will ultimately decide whether the status of the US commonwealth changes. Why is Puerto Rico a commonwealth of the United States? Explorer Christopher Columbus arrived at Puerto Rico (“rich port”) in 1493, and it soon became a Spanish colony and important military outpost. Moreover, Congress or the president could apply federal regulations selectively to Puerto Rico, resulting in both concessions and revocations of special privileges. If Puerto Rico were to change its official administrative title from the “Commonwealth of Puerto Rico” to the “Official United States Property of Puerto Rico,” how would Puerto Ricans react? They have been offered statehood before and … US authorities and Commonwealth sympathizers have long argued that the Puerto Rican people exercised their right to self-determination. It’s classified as an “unincorporated territory,” meaning the island is controlled by the U.S. government but is separate from the mainland. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide. What does that mean? Puerto Rico is not a state, and thus, federal taxes do not apply generally to income generated within the commonwealth; Puerto Rico corporations are treated for federal tax purposes as foreign corporations and are not generally subject to U.S. corporate taxes. Today, Commonwealth also means a political unit having local autonomy but voluntarily united with the United States. Puerto Rico, which is Spanish for “Rich Port” is also officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico – Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, lit, which translates to the “Free Associated State of Puerto Rico.” Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the northeast, where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet. In 1967, 60% of Puerto Ricans voted to maintain their commonwealth status, while … The United States is composed of 50 states, plus some additional land that belongs to the U.S. and is governed directly by the federal government. It's a U.S. commonwealth. Territories Quarters Program. The territories are the Northern Mariana Islands and Puerto Rico (which, in Spanish, officially calls itself the 'Free Associated State of Puerto Rico').. Maine in Havana Harbor in 1898. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa, to this day are neither allowed to vote in the American presidential nor the American senatorial election. Under the Commonwealth, Puerto Ricans have unrestricted entry into the US mainland. Hence, both the political and economic bases of the Estado Libre Asociado have wavered. | Ramblin' with Roger, Puerto Rico at Mt. It all started with the Spanish-American War, which began in the spring of 1898, when Puerto Rico was a Spanish territory.The U.S. invaded Puerto Rico not only because it was a … In recent years, Medicaid costs have increased in Puerto Rico because of economic downturns, public health emergencies like the Zika outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic, and natural disasters like Hurricane Maria and earthquakes. The only firm conclusion reached from the three votes was that the vast majority of Puerto Ricans want to move beyond the status quo. Since 1952, the term “commonwealth” has evolved to describe a potential relationship between the United States and Puerto Rico in which Puerto Rico is given special rights and privileges greater than those enjoyed by states. 1. In a referendum held on 3 March 1952, 81.9 percent of the Island’s electorate ratified the Commonwealth or Free Associated State (Estado Libre Asociado, in Spanish). Or subscribe to articles in the subject area by email or RSS. Even though no one can explain why their presence is excluded from the program, this issue would disappear if granted statehood. Your email address will not be published. The island can only vote in presidential primaries, for their governor, and for a Resident Commissioner whom they send to Congress more as an observer than an elected vote provider. The US Congress approved the constitution (after requiring several changes, especially in its bill of rights) on 3 July of that same year; Puerto Rico’s Constitutional Convention approved it seven days later, and the new Commonwealth status was proclaimed on 25 July 1952. Other basic elements of US-Puerto Rico relations established before 1952 include the adoption of the US dollar as the Island’s currency, US customs control, US citizenship, federal labor legislation, welfare benefits, and an elected governor. The subordinate citizenship status of Puerto Ricans continued under Commonwealth as well. Puerto Ricans voted on their status in 1967, 1991, 1993, and 1998. Why Is Puerto Rico a Territory? While the US has many territories there are only two commonwealths; Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands, a group of 22 islands in the Western Pacific ocean. Under Commonwealth status, Puerto Rico continued to be an “unincorporated territory” that “belonged to but was not a part of the United States.” The US Congress and president could unilaterally dictate policy relating to defense, international relations, foreign trade, and investment. I am now that much better informed. Puerto Rico Is a Commonwealth Congress granted Puerto Rico the right to elect its own governor and exist as a U.S. territory with commonwealth status in 1952. In a 2002 poll, 60 percent of those interviewed on the Island identified Puerto Rico as their nation; about 17 percent considered both Puerto Rico and the United States to be their nation; and only 20 percent chose the United States alone. However, the government of Puerto Rico, while ostensibly a local responsibility, falls ultimately on the U.S. Congress. No, Puerto Rico is not a state, but rather a Commonwealth of the United States. Unlike the Philippines, which became independent in 1946, and Hawaii, which became a state in 1959, the future of Puerto Rico's political status continues to be uncertain. If compared, Puerto Rico's area is slightly smaller than Cyprus or slightly less than three times the size of the US state of Rhode Island. All of the regulations and articles of the federal laws that ruled relations between Puerto Rico and the United States since the 1898 Treaty of Paris remained intact. A commonwealth is effectively the same thing as a state. Featured image credit: “Flags” by MariamS. Puerto Rico, officially Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Spanish Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, self-governing island commonwealth of the West Indies, associated with the United States.The easternmost island of the Greater Antilles chain, it lies approximately 50 miles (80 km) east of the Dominican Republic, 40 miles (65 km) west of the Virgin Islands, and 1,000 miles (1,600 km) … Its name in English is the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The term harks back to the area's constitution, which "simply deems it as such", says the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Find contact information and major state agencies and offices for the government of Puerto Rico. 154's excise tax. However, even with move, Puerto Ricans, along with residents of areas such as the US. Territories Quarters Program. Unlike the states, Puerto Rico does not automatically receive additional federal Medicaid funding when costs rise faster than expected. Puerto Rico is not currently eligible for the food stamp program that exists for disaster victims in the United States because it is not an official state. While Puerto Rican citizens are formally citizens of the United States, Puerto Rico is not identified as a state but as a territory, meaning citizens of Puerto Rico cannot vote in US federal elections and are not represented in congress. Another benefit the island enjoys is the aid provided by the United States and the tax exemption the island receives; Puerto Rico is exempt from paying federal taxes. Commonwealth is a term used by two unincorporated territories of the United States in their full official names. Puerto Rico is often called a commonwealth, but that is actually just a word in the official title of the government of Puerto Rico. Let’s see… if you fall into financial trouble or you mismanage money should you be kicked out of this Country? However, the nature of the “compact” between Puerto Rico and the United States has been disputed from its inception. Seems to this humble reader that U.S.A. ought to be helping P.R. Jorge Duany is the Director of the Cuban Research Institute and Professor of Anthropology at Florida International University. Puerto Rico meets most of the objective and subjective criteria of conventional views of the nation—among them a shared territory, language, and history, except for sovereignty. However, even with move, Puerto Ricans, along with residents of areas such as the US. Rather, Puerto Rican voters have reiterated an overwhelming preference for US citizenship and permanent union with the United States. To what extent did Commonwealth status recognize the sovereignty of the Puerto Rican people? Main Address: PO Box 9020082 San Juan , PR, 00902-0082. Clearly, these states are no different from states like California and Arkansas, which do not refer to themselves as a commonwealth. Despite this record, the Popular Democratic Party of Puerto Rico (which is not affiliated to the U.S. Democratic Party and is also known informally as the “Commonwealth” Party) was permitted to place a “Commonwealth” option on plebiscite ballots – one definition of “Commonwealth” in 1967 and a different definition on the 1993 ballot. 32 of the 50 states used to be territories, so the definition of a territory often includes the fact that the place isn’t yet a state. Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States. The President’s Task Force on Puerto Rico. What Everyone Needs to Know series on the OUPblog, So when do we talk about this? Historians agree. Oxford University Press'sAcademic Insights for the Thinking World. Catch up with the authors of the What Everyone Needs to Know series on the OUPblog every other week. In recent years, the US federal government has increasingly weakened the Commonwealth’s fiscal autonomy, in the wake of financial crisis. Puerto Rico (Spanish for 'Rich Port'; abbreviated PR, Taino: Boriken, Borinquen), officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (Spanish: Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, lit. Americans who travel between the continental U.S. and its commonwealths do not need a passport. Excise taxes. What does that mean? Act No. Acquired by the United States from Spain in 1898, Puerto Rico has a peculiar status among Latin American and Caribbean countries. The US governs its economy, currency, international trade relations, import/export quotas, shipping, consumer prices, judicial code, military, postal system, FCC licensing, and the US congress has plenary jurisdiction (veto power) over any law or regulation passed by the insular legislature. If Puerto Rico’s FMAP was determined through the same formula used to calculate the FMAP for states (based on per capita income relative to national per capita income), it would equal 83 percent, the statutory maximum, not 55 percent (Exhibit 2). The confusion and lack of understanding over the “Commonwealth” option in Puerto Rico led to inconclusive plebiscite results in 1967, 1993 and 1998. The commonwealth has a crucial case before the U.S. Supreme Court, people are protesting in front of the governor's mansion, and a restructuring plan could wipe out some of … We will only use your personal information to register you for OUPblog articles. Why is Pennsylvania called a commonwealth? We bail them out just like we bail out farmers and people after hurricanes and tornadoes. They have done so many times over the course of many years. However, the US federal government remained in control of most state affairs, including citizenship, immigration, customs, defense, currency, transportation, communications, foreign trade, and diplomacy. The territories are the Northern Mariana Islands and Puerto Rico (which, in Spanish, officially calls itself the 'Free Associated State of Puerto Rico').. He has published extensively on migration, ethnicity, race, nationalism, and transnationalism in the Hispanic Caribbean and the United States. This status provides local autonomy to the island and allows Puerto Rico to publicly display its flag. In the excerpt below, author Jorge Duany provides the necessary background for understanding the inner workings of the Commonwealth government and the island’s relationship to the United States. The brainchild of Luis Muñoz Marín and the Popular Democratic Party (PDP), Commonwealth was originally supposed to be a transitory, intermediate status between full independence and annexation as a state of the American union. Puerto Rico is a commonwealth tribe that lives in the United States with a common currency, defense, and citizenship. It seems to me that wealthy corporations utilize Peurto Rico as a safe heaven for tax purposes. Do you ever think anyone needs help? Puerto Rico’s elected governor appoints all cabinet officials and other key members of the executive branch; the insular legislature determines the government’s budget; and the judicial system amends its civil and criminal code, without federal interference—as long as such measures do not contradict the US Constitution, laws, and regulations. Nearly half of Americans don’t know that Puerto Ricans are US citizens. Because Puerto Rico is currently a commonwealth, its status as a territory does not allow citizens to vote in the same number of elections when compared to households in the 50 states. The commonwealth. However, most of the Island’s electorate does not currently support the creation of a sovereign state in Puerto Rico. Pennsylvania is officially a commonwealth, a word which comes from Old English and means the "common weal" or well-being of the public. The Island possesses many of the symbolic attributes of modern nations, including a national flag and anthem; national heroes and rituals; a national system of universities, museums, and other cultural institutions; a well-developed national tradition in literature and the visual arts; and national representation in international sports and beauty contests. Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. A 2012 status referendum found that 61% supported statehood and in December 11 of that year, the legislature in Puerto Rico requested that action be taken on the results, end their current form of territorial status and start the process for admitting the country to the Union as a state. Most important, the vast majority of Puerto Ricans imagine themselves as distinct from Americans as well as from other Latin American and Caribbean peoples. And now cryptocurrency advocates from around the world have converged on Puerto Rico with the vision of making the island the epicenter of this multitrillion-dollar market. Thank you for this explication of P.R.’s status. There are certain articles subject to a special excise tax, such as cigarettes, fuels, crude oils, vehicles, alcoholic beverages, cement, sugar, and plastic products, among others. The elected governor of Puerto Rico occupies the highest public office on the island. But they are, and have been since 1917. Everything is very expensive except what little is grown there (guess what was distorted by Hurricane Maria). A: The commonwealth is a unique legal status established in Puerto Rico in 1952 that set up an internal structure for the island to govern itself, as well as allowing fiscal autonomy. Governor: Wanda Vázquez Garced . The Puerto Rico quarter is the second in the 2009 District of Columbia and U.S. Fifty-two percent spoke in support of statehood while 48 percent did not. Puerto Rico it self is mired in corruption and low wages. Rico is a territory belonging to the United States, a responsibility of the U.S. Congress under the Territory Clause of the U.S. Constitution. In recent years, the US federal government has increasingly weakened the Commonwealth’s fiscal autonomy, in the wake of financial crisis. Commonwealth is a term used by two unincorporated territories of the United States in their full official names. How did Puerto Rico become a US Commonwealth? 32 of the 50 states used to be territories, so the definition of a territory often includes the fact that the place isn’t yet a state. On This Page. In 1952, Puerto Rico officially became a Commonwealth of the United States. Pennsylvania is officially a commonwealth, a word which comes from Old English and means the "common weal" or well-being of the public. unconstitutionality of the “Commonwealth” platform. The official languages of Puerto Rico are both English and Spanish, with some of the people mixing the two languages and speaking Spanglish. 5 Reasons Why Puerto Rico Probably Won't Become The 51st State. Puerto Rico has been part of the US since 1989 and its residents are American citizens since 1917. The truth is, it is not because Puerto Ricans do or do not want statehood or because being a Commonwealth has a number of benefits. They would retain that right under statehood but probably lose it after independence. He is the author, coauthor, or editor of 20 books, including several works about Puerto Rico. In 1952, Puerto Rico got commonwealth status with a local self-government. Like other citizens, Puerto Ricans do not need work visas (or green cards) to work or live in America. No, Puerto Rico is not an independent nation or country. Puerto Rico Is a Commonwealth Congress granted Puerto Rico the right to elect its own governor and exist as a U.S. territory with commonwealth status in 1952. Even though Puerto Ricans are American citizens, they never pay the federal tax and are not allowed to participate in presidential elections. In 1948, Puerto Rico elected its own governor for the first time under U.S. control. In response, Puerto Rico held a constitutional convention, establishing its own republican form of government and bill of rights. A commonwealth is effectively the same thing as a state. Statehood would eliminate the legal inequalities that exist. Phone Number: 1-787-721-7000. Explorer Christopher Columbus arrived at Puerto Rico (“rich port”) in 1493, and it soon became a Spanish colony and important military outpost. However, dissatisfaction with the island’s political status continued. There would be improvements in family tax credits, Medicaid enrollment, Medicare access, and several other federal programs that do not currently apply because of its classific… “Commonwealth” is clearly not an option that the U.S. federal government accepts – as a matter of law or policy. If Puerto Rico remains a commonwealth this is a benefit that future generations will continue to enjoy. Commonwealth status represented a greater degree of political autonomy for Puerto Rico in local matters, such as elections, taxation, economic development, education, health, housing, culture, and language. Rushmore | Puerto Rico 51st. Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States. This legislation was meant to declare that Puerto Rico, though still under overall control of the United States, had self-rule. Those who claim Puerto Rico is still a colony argue that Puerto Rico was vested with the commonwealth status by the U.S. Congress to give the appearance of self … As Americans, Puerto Ricans use the U.S. dollar as the island’s currency and they serve proudly in the U.S. armed forces. Commonwealth advocates believe that this formula can be renegotiated to correct its flaws and attain greater autonomy. The answer to the first part of this question is clear: some people began to call Puerto Rico a commonwealth in 1952 after Congress approved its local constitution, the “Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.”  At the time, Congress was explicit that its gift of local power did not lessen federal control over the Island or change its status as a territory. The next year, the United Nations removed Puerto Rico from its list of non- self- governing territories. Officially, the Island was no longer considered a US colony. more earnestly and assiduously in the island’s current distress. One high level statement on this topic came in 2011 from The President’s Task Force on Puerto Rico, in which the White House clarified that, ““[u]nder the Commonwealth option, Puerto Rico would remain, as it is today, subject to the Territory Clause of the U.S.Constitution.”. […], Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. San Juan, the capital, invites further exploration with its iconic buildings and landmarks. That’s where National Commonwealth … The Commonwealth formula did not substantially alter the Island’s legal, political, and economic dependence on the United States. Apparently the term "commonwealth" was preferred by a number of political writers in the 1700s. Puerto Rico is an organized unincorporated territory of the United States. The Commonwealth party urged its supporters to vote for “none of the above” in protest; many did so and this option became an inexact proxy for “Commonwealth” support. Futhermore, while Puerto Rico has a congressional representative, this representativ… Here is another ad in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Series — perhaps one of the most effective business development advertising campaigns ever devised.. Why Puerto Rico is the most profitable of Omark Industries’ 14 plant sites in 5 countries. In addition, many US constitutional provisions—such as the requirement of indictment by grand jury, trial by jury in common law cases, and the right to confrontation of witnesses—were not extended to the Commonwealth. When asked what new option they preferred, 61% chose statehood. In October 1950 President Truman signed the Puerto Rico Commonwealth Bill, which enabled the island’s people to establish their own constitution. In effect, elevating Puerto Rico to a “new commonwealth” would give the island the benefits of sovereignty without sacrificing the benefits of U.S. governance. One reason Puerto Rico has trouble is that the USA doesn’t allow direct shipping but adds tariffs on Puerto Rico. Since then, Puerto Ricans have voted several times on whether to become a state or not, but the idea has never become popular enough to sway a majority of voters. The 2012 referendum confirmed this, with 54% of voters voting against the status quo. Though it legally has no significance, the title of "commonwealth" has come into question during disputes over the future of Puerto Rico's status as a territory … The Puerto Rico quarter is the second in the 2009 District of Columbia and U.S. In 1950, the US Congress passed, and President Harry S. Truman signed, Public Law 600, authorizing a convention to draft a constitution and establish a republican form of government in Puerto Rico. A majority of Puerto Ricans have thus far failed to agree on whether Puerto Rico should remain a commonwealth concept, be admitted as a state, or become an independent nation. Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the Caribbean Sea. If Puerto Rico remains a commonwealth this is a benefit that future generations will continue to enjoy. Puerto Rico held status votes in 1967, 1993, 1998, 2012, and 2017, which gave Puerto Rican voters the choice over whether their Island should remain a U.S. territory or change its relationship with the U.S.. A new status vote has been scheduled for November 3, 2020.. A thread runs through all discussions of Puerto Rico plebiscites: should “commonwealth” be on the ballot? Congress could also revoke any insular law inconsistent with the US Constitution. […] I will rant that I wish some news commentators would refer to Puerto Rico as a commonwealth rather than a territory, even though commonwealth status is just plain […]. Such laws and regulations still apply to the people of Puerto Rico without their consent or control. Today, Puerto Rico remains a Commonwealth. Here are the reasons why this Oregon metals fabricator’s plant in Puerto Rico is their leading profit maker worldwide. Making the matter more confusing, Puerto Rico’s “commonwealth” party says that it wants a “commonwealth status.” There is no precedent for such a status. In 1998, no “Commonwealth” option was allowed on the plebiscite ballot. Pro-statehood and pro-independence critics contend that Commonwealth is a colonial status because of the lack of effective representation and unrestricted congressional and executive power over Puerto Rico. 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