“Commonwealth” Is Unconstitutional
In 1998, the Popular Democratic Party (PDP) of Puerto Rico (not affiliated with the Democratic Party of the U.S.) adopted a blueprint for a new… Read More »“Commonwealth” Is Unconstitutional
News
The Origin of the “Commonwealth” Label
Puerto Rico is often called “a commonwealth” but “Commonwealth” is actually just its formal government title. Four States (Virginia, Massachusetts, Kentucky and Pennsylvania) and another… Read More »The Origin of the “Commonwealth” Label
Can a Puerto Rican Become President Of The United States?
Can someone born in Puerto Rico become the President of the United States? It’s never been tried. Puerto Rico is tightly integrated into the United… Read More »Can a Puerto Rican Become President Of The United States?
Statehood
Some leaders in the Puerto Rican community claim that Puerto Rico voters need more information about the various status options open to them. Here is… Read More »Statehood
Sovereign Free Associated State
Some leaders in the Puerto Rican community say that Puerto Rico voters need more information about the various status options for Puerto Rico. Free association,… Read More »Sovereign Free Associated State
Independence
(II) Independence:Puerto Rico should become a sovereign nation, fully independent from the United States and the United States Congress would be required to pass any necessary legislation to begin the transition into independent nation of Puerto Rico. If you agree, mark here:
As a sovereign country, Puerto Rico would sever all ties with the United States. Read More »Independence
Nick Rahall
Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall, Opening Statement, Subcommittee on Insular Affairs Legislative Hearing, March 22, 2007, p. 10. In going back to the 1970s, at least 40 separate measures have been introduced in Congress to resolve or clarify Puerto Rico’s political status. In addition, Congress has held at least 10 hearings, and four measures have received either House or Senate action.Read More »Nick Rahall
Richard Thornburgh
Richard Thornburgh, Attorney General, Statement before the Senate Energy Committee, February 7, 1991, pp. 188-89. The administration’s goal is to assist in providing a fair and just vehicle through which the Puerto Rican people can express their will.Read More »Richard Thornburgh
Edward S.G. Dennis
Edward S.G. Dennis, Acting Deputy Attorney General, Department of Justice, Testimony before the Senate Energy Committee, July 11, 1989, p. 18. So long as Puerto Rico remains under the sovereignty of the United States, it is essential that this fact be made clear beyond peradventure. Any statements that the island is autonomous . . . must make clear that this autonomy is limited to internal affairs, and that as a commonwealth Puerto Rico remains under the sovereignty of the United States. Congress retains the authority to legislate with respect to Puerto Rico, and federal law may not be preempted or nullified by the local government.Read More »Edward S.G. Dennis