Constitutional Background
The 'Commonwealth of Puerto Rico' is associated with the US with indigenous inhabitants being US citizens (though without vote in US presidential elections). Puerto elects one non-voting delegate to the US House of Representatives, but has no representation in the US Senate. The Constitution was adopted on 3 March 1952 and went into effect on 25 July of that year (after approval by the US Congress on 3 July).
There is debate among constitutional commentators as to whether the establishment of the 'Commonwealth' in 1952 constituted a valid exercise of the Puerto Rican people's right to self-determination. However, the genesis of new US States regularly includes some time as a dependent territory. Therefore, Puerto Rico's current situation might be seen as transitory.
History and News
- 4 Nov 1962: Amendment of the Constitution (elimination of the social rights in Section 20 of Article II).
- 10 Dec 1961: Amendment of the Constitution (Section 2 of Article VI).
- 4 Nov 1952: Amendment of the Constitution (allowing for private schools in Section 5 of Article II and incorporating the Puerto Rican Federal Relations Act in Section 3 of Article VII).
- 3 March 1952: Adoption of Constitution.
