Civil Government in Puerto Rico

Civil government in Puerto Rico functions under a framework similar to U.S. states, with its own local government and constitution. It includes elected officials such as a governor, legislature, and municipalities that manage local affairs like education, transportation, and public safety. While Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory and residents are U.S. citizens, it does not have voting representation in Congress and cannot vote in presidential elections. The federal government also provides certain services and oversight. Overall, Puerto Rico’s civil government balances local autonomy with federal oversight, serving the needs of its residents while remaining connected to the broader U.S. governmental system.