Puerto Rico Essay

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The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is a self-governing territory of the United States on an island of the Greater Antilles in the Caribbean. The Puerto Rican political relationship with United States has remained steady and non-violent since the take over after Spanish-American War. The island is considered a part of America, but votes on whether to remain a Commonwealth separate from 50 states or become the 51st state. Political relationship is quite extensive with United States Federal Government, but the residents are not tax payers. Puerto Rico’s possibility of becoming a state is closer than ever, and with half the population supporting, statehood is looking to be a great economic option.
I. Geography
The island of Puerto Rico or “Rich Port” …show more content…
Woodrow Wilson’s Jones Act gave U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans, but was not equivalent to natural born citizens until 1941 with the Nationality Act. Even after Nationality Act, citizens that live on the island consider themselves Puerto Ricans first and American citizens second (topuertorico). All Puerto Rican citizens have unrestricted migration to and from America, but anyone living in America that is from Puerto Rico are considered U.S. citizens and are not recognized as Puerto Ricans until resided on the island for a year (geography.about). Pride in the name of dual citizenship comes from the Puerto Rican citizens and citizens living on American mainland (geography.about). The citizens of both the island and the mainland both agree on citizenship and come together on most all political issues just the same.

IV. Political Developments and Federal Government Authorities
Political developments began in 1898 with cede of Puerto Rico to United States, and has been evolving since. Puerto Rico’s head of government is an elected governor by the island people. United States Federal Government controls (not inclusive) (chart: topuertorico):
• Interstate trade
• Land and sea immigration
• Military and bases
• Constitutionality of laws
• Postal

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