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Government of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States, officially known as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or in Spanish, Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico (Free Associated State of Puerto Rico).

The government of Puerto Rico is a self-governing commonwealth in association with the United States and operates under a formal republican system, established by the Constitution of 1952. Three distinct branches—executive, legislative, and judicial—create a system of checks and balances within the unique framework of U.S. territorial governance.

The island has its own constitution and governs itself internally, though it remains subject to U.S. federal laws. Puerto Rico's government is structured similarly to U.S. state governments, with three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.

Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens but cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections unless they reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. However, they can vote in presidential primaries and have a Resident Commissioner in the U.S. House of Representatives who can vote in committees but not on the House floor.

Digraph: PR/QR

Type: Commonwealth [Glos.] associated with the US. The island's inhabitants possess all the rights and obligations of United States citizens such as paying Social Security, receiving federal welfare and serving in the armed forces, except for the right to vote in presidential elections and the obligation to pay federal taxes.

The term "United States" when used in a geographical sense on official documents, acts and/or laws; includes the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.

Government Form: Republican; executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Political Status

U.S. Commonwealth territory since 1952

Citizenship

All residents are U.S. citizens since 1917

Constitution

Own constitution approved in 1952

Legal System

Subject to U.S. federal laws

Three Branches of Government

The chief of state is the President of the United States of America. The head of government is an elected Governor. Puerto Rico's government follows the separation of powers principle with executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Executive Branch

Led by the Governor, who is elected by popular vote for a four-year term (no term limits), which begins on the second day of January after the year of his election and ends on the date his successor takes office. The Governor is the head of state and head of government.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Enforce laws and administer government
  • Appoint cabinet members and agency heads
  • Propose budget and legislation
  • Serve as Commander-in-Chief of PR National Guard
  • Represent Puerto Rico in official matters
  • Has the power to veto legislation

The Governor is assisted by cabinet secretaries who head various executive departments including Education, Health, Treasury, and Transportation.

In the case of the death, resignation, or removal, of the Governor, the Secretary of State of Puerto Rico succeeds the Governor. In case the Secretary of State is unwilling or unable to assume it, the Attorney General (or, as the position is known, the Justice Department Secretary) would assume the governorship, followed by the Secretary of Treasury.


Legislative Branch

A bicameral Legislative Assembly consisting of the Senate (27 members) and House of Representatives (51 members), elected for four-year terms.

Structure:

  • Senate: 27 members (at-large and by district)
    • 16 senators elected by district (2 from each of the 8 senatorial districts)
    • 11 senators elected at-large (island-wide vote)
  • House: 51 members representing districts (one per electoral district and 11 elected proportionally)
  • Additional members may be added to ensure minority representation

Key Powers:

  • Pass laws and regulations
  • Approves the government budget
  • Can override gubernatorial vetoes with two-thirds majority
  • Conduct investigations

The bicameral legislature determines how to spend the island's tax revenue. Unless specifically stated, Puerto Rico is also subject to all laws and most regulations of the U.S. government, which sometimes cause jurisdictional problems. Most U.S. agencies are represented on the island.


Judicial Branch

A unified judicial system headed by the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico, the highest court of the Commonwealth, with seven justices appointed by the Governor.

Court System:

  • Supreme Court: 7 justices appointed by Governor with Senate approval
  • Court of Appeals: Reviews lower court decisions
  • Superior Courts: Handle major civil and criminal cases
  • Municipal Courts: Handle minor cases and preliminary hearings
  • Interprets the Puerto Rico Constitution
  • Justices appointed by Governor with Senate approval and serve until mandatory retirement at age 70

The Supreme Court has final say on matters of Puerto Rico law, though federal courts maintain jurisdiction over federal matters.

Puerto Rico's Political Status & Federal Relationship

Capitol Building

Puerto Rico has authority over its internal affairs. United States controls: interstate trade, foreign relations and commerce, customs administration, control of air, land and sea, immigration and emigration, nationality and citizenship, currency, maritime laws, military service, military bases, army, navy and air force, declaration of war, constitutionality of laws, jurisdictions and legal procedures, treaties, radio and television--communications, agriculture, mining and minerals, highways, postal system; Social Security, and other areas generally controlled by the federal government in the United States. Puerto Rican institutions control internal affairs unless U.S. law is involved, as in matters of public health and pollution.

The major differences between Puerto Rico and the 50 states are exemption from some aspects of the Internal Revenue Code, its lack of voting representation in either house of the U.S. Congress (Senate and House of Representatives), the ineligibility of Puerto Ricans residing on the island to vote in presidential elections, and its lack of assignation of some revenues reserved for the states.

As noted, because Puerto Rico is a territory and not a State, Puerto Rico has no representation in the Electoral College, nor have voting representation in Congress like the States. Puerto Ricans cannot vote in general presidential elections unless they establish residency in one of the 50 states. Since 1902, Congress has authorized Puerto Rico to be represented in Washington, DC, by one Resident Commissioner. The Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico is a non-voting member of the United States House of Representatives and elected by the voters of the U.S. Commonwealth of Puerto Rico every four years.

The federal government, located in San Juan, is represented by 2 district judges and the procurator, who is named by the President of the United States. The Federal Court has final authority of the ELA.


El Capitol
Capitol Building

Capital

San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico and the most populous municipality in Puerto Rico, with a population of two million. The city was founded in 1508, by Juan Ponce de León. It is also Puerto Rico's main port of entry and has one of the best harbors in the Caribbean. San Juan is located on the north east of the island.

Local Government

Puerto Rico is divided into 8 senatorial districts, 40 representative districts, 78 municipalities. Each municipality with its own local goverment.

In Puerto Rico there there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the U.S. Government (Commonwealth associated with the U.S.); , but Puerto Rico is divided into 78 municipalities (municipios). Each is governed by a popularly elected mayor (four-year terms) and municipal assembly. The mayor appoints a secretary-auditor and a treasurer. Municipalities are further subdivided into barrios, and those into sectors.

A municipality (municipio) is an administrative local area generally composed of a clearly defined territory and commonly referring to a city, town, or village government. In Puerto Rico, a municipality is a city and the government unit that is the primary legal subdivision; each municipality has an elected mayor. However, the Census Bureau treats the municipio as the statistical equivalent of a county.

Structure


Government Officials

Puerto Rico's government is led by elected officials at both the local and federal levels. From the Governor and Legislative Assembly to Puerto Rico's representation in Washington, these leaders shape the island's policies and future.

View Current Government Officials


Major Cities
San Juan, Ponce, Caguas, Mayagüez, Bayamón, Carolina, Arecibo, Guaynabo, Cayey, Aguadilla, and Fajardo.

Other territories include: Mona (5,517 hectares), Monito (15 hectares), Desecheo (122 hectares), and Caja de Muertos (202 hectares). Numerous other small cays lie offshore of Puerto Rico.

Mona and Monito are located between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. These small islands are considered the Galápagos Islands of the Caribbean Sea. No other reef and offshore island habitat within U.S. jurisdiction possesses such ecological uniqueness, invaluable habitat, and biological diversity within such a reduced surface area. For these reasons, Mona and Monito Islands have been recognized by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico as a Natural Reserve. The islands are a critical habitat of endangered marine turtles, sea birds and occasional migratory marine mammals.

Metropolitan Area
San Juan, Bayamón, Carolina, Guaynabo, Trujillo Alto and Caguas.


Interesting Fact
On June 4, 1951, Puerto Rican voters approved in a referendum a U.S. law that granted them the right to draft their own constitution. The constituent assembly began its deliberations in the following September. In March 1952 the electorate approved the new constitution, and on July 25 Governor Muñoz proclaimed the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.


Major Political Parties

Puerto Rico has a multi-party system primarily organized around views on the island's political status.


New Progressive Party

Partido Nuevo Progresista (PNP)

Founded in 1967, it advocates for Puerto Rico to become the 51st state of the United States. Supports full integration with the U.S. federal system, followers are known as "los penepes", identified by color blue.

Key Positions

  • Puerto Rican statehood
  • Full representation in U.S. Congress
  • Presidential voting rights
  • Economic integration with U.S.

Popular Democratic Party

Partido Popular Democrático (PPD)

Founded in 1938, it supports maintaining and enhancing the current commonwealth status, followers are known as "los populares", identified by color red. The oldest of the major political parties.

Key Positions

  • Enhanced commonwealth status
  • Maintain cultural identity
  • Economic autonomy
  • Preserve Spanish language

Puerto Rican Independence Party

Partido Independentista Puertorriqueño (PIP)

Founded in 1946, it advocates for Puerto Rico to become a sovereign, independent nation separate from the United States, follorwers are known as "los pipiolos", identified by color green.

Key Positions

  • Full independence from U.S.
  • Sovereign nation status
  • Own international relations
  • Cultural preservation

Other political groups are: Armed Forces for National Liberation (FALN); Volunteers of the Puerto Rican Revolution; Boricua Popular Army (also known as the Macheteros); and, Armed Forces of Popular Resistance.

Elections and Voting

General elections are held every four years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, coinciding with U.S. general elections.

Voting Rights

Voters elect the Governor, Resident Commissioner (4-year term), all members of the Legislative Assembly, and municipal officials.

Who Can Vote

2024 Election

El Morro

Ruling Party: New Progressive Party (NPP)

Voter Turnout: approximately 64.46 % of registered voters

Registered Voters: Approximately 2.4 million registered voters. Out of a total population of about 3.2 million residents

Political Activity: High civic engagement in local politics. Puerto Rico has traditionally higher voter turnout than many U.S. states.

Next Election: Tuesday, November 7, 2028

Constitution: ratified 3 March 1952; approved by U.S. Congress 3 July 1952; effective 25 July 1952.

Electoral Commission: Comisión Estatal de Elecciones, 787-724-4979.

How to Register to Vote:
Register in person at your local election office. Visit the State Election Commission for more information.

Fiscal Year: 1 July - 30 June


Interesting Fact
During election year, automobile caravans are among the activities planned for political mobilization and propaganda. People gather in town squares to show their support for candidates and parade through the cities to encourage others to vote.


Legal System, International Status & Defense

Legal System:
Puerto Rican civil and commercial codes are fashioned after Spanish models; penal, procedural, and public (including constitutional) law are fashioned after U.S. models.

Member of:
CARICOM (observer), ECLAC (associate), FAO (associate), ICFTU, INTERPOL (sub-bureau), IOC, WCL, WFTU, WHO (associate), WTO (associate).

U.S. Diplomatic Representation: none (commonwealth associated with the US).

International disputes: None.

Defense Forces:
The defense of Puerto Rico has been the responsibility of the United States since 1898, as part of the Treaty of Paris.

Military branches:
no regular indigenous military forces; paramilitary National Guard, Police Force

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:

male: 30,517
female: 29,010 (2010 est.)

Military Facilities/Bases: There is currently only one active military installation in Puerto Rico (and the Caribbean). Fort Buchanan is a U.S. Army Base located in Guaynabo, about 12 miles south of downtown San Juan, in northern Puerto Rico. The base was established in 1923 in honor of Coronel James A. Buchanan who was the commander of the 1st Puerto Rico U.S. Army unit, commonly known as the Porto Rico Regiment. After defending the Panama Canal Zone in WW I, the regimen was officially designated the 65th Infantry Regument.

Throughout the 20th century Puerto Rico had as many as 25 military installations. Most installations have been deactivated and partially turned over to the local government. The largest installations were: Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Ceiba (closed on March 21, 2004), the Borinquen Coast Guard Air Station in Aguadilla, the Puerto Rico Air National Guard at Muñiz Air Force base in San Juan, the Atlantic Fleet Weapons Training Facility (AFWTF) in Vieques the U.S. Air Force Ramey Air Force Base, and the National Guard training facility at Camp Santiago in Salinas.

Old San Juan
Old San Juan

Puerto Rico's Commonwhelth Status Explained

Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States operating under a Commonwealth system (Estado Libre Asociado), established in 1952. While subject to U.S. sovereignty and federal law, Puerto Rico is not a state and is not fully incorporated into the United States.

Under this arrangement, Puerto Rico governs its internal affairs through its own constitution and elected government, while the United States retains authority over matters such as defense, foreign relations, immigration, currency, and interstate commerce.

Key Features of Commonwealth Status

U.S. Territories and Commonwealths

The United States currently has several unincorporated territories and two commonwealths.

Commonwealths:

Major inhabited territories:

(*Residents of American Samoa are U.S. nationals, not U.S. citizens.)

Several additional U.S. territories are uninhabited, including Baker Island, Howland Island, Johnston Atoll, Wake Island, and others.

Political Status Debate

Puerto Rico's political relationship with the United States has been the subject of ongoing debate locally and federally. The central question revolves around whether Puerto Rico should:

Multiple referendums have been held over the decades, along with legislative proposals in Congress. Under the U.S. Constitution's Territorial Clause, ultimate authority over Puerto Rico's political status rests with the U.S. Congress.

Recent Referendums

Congressional Action

Any change to Puerto Rico's status requires approval from the U.S. Congress, making this a complex issue involving both local and federal politics.

Unique International Presence

Although Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, it maintains a distinct cultural and international identity. The island competes separately in events such as the Olympic Games and international pageants, reflecting its unique historical and political position.

Official Emblems of the Commonwealth

Puerto Rico's rich identity expressed through its official symbols.

Flag

Puerto Rico's Flag

Five equal horizontal bands of red (top and bottom) alternating with white; a blue isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bears a large white five-pointed star in the center; design based on the Cuban flag.

In addition, each of the municipalites of Puerto Rico have city flags that represent what each city stands for.

Read more about the Puerto Rican flag

Coat of Arms

Puerto Rico's Coat of Arms

The coat of arms features a green shield with a lamb, a book, and a flag, surrounded by a border with castles and lions, crowned with a royal crown.

Elements

Read more about Coat of Arms

Seal of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico's Seal

The Great Seal of Puerto Rico centers on the Lamb of God resting on a book with a bannered cross, surrounded by symbols reflecting the island's Spanish heritage and Christian tradition.

Elements

Explore the History and Meaning Behind the Seal

Official Name:
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. (Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico).

Original Name:
In 1493, during his second voyage, Christopher Columbus landed in Puerto Rico. He named the island "San Juan Bautista", in honor of John the Baptist. In 1508 the Spanish government appointed Juan Ponce de León the first governor of the island, under this command the original settlement was relocated to a nearby coastal islet and named Puerto Rico (Rich Port). Sometime during the 1520s, confusion over the names led to a switch, the island took the name of Puerto Rico and the town became San Juan.

National Holiday: November 19 (The Discovery of Puerto Rico date).
All U.S. government holidays are celebrated in Puerto Rico. Additionally, there are nine local holidays, which usually honor important leaders or events in the island's history. Government offices, banks, the post office and most stores are closed on the official holidays.

National Hymn (Anthem): "La Borinqueña"
The national hymn reflects the character of the people very accurately. The air, "La Borinqueña ", recalls the island's Indian past. It was originally a dance measure. Now in a slower tone, and the orchestration of Ramón Collado, the Puerto Rican anthem has a gracious, melancholic tone, agreeably free of the bombast that often characterizes national anthem.

Motto: Joannes Est Nomen Eius (John is his name)

Tourism Motto: Puerto Rico lo hace mejor! (Puerto Rico does it better!)


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Did You Know?

San Juan is the oldest continuously inhabited city in a U.S. territory.