Government of Puerto Rico

The government of Puerto Rico is a democratic entity that operates as a territory of the United States. It has its own elected officials, including a governor, legislature, and local agencies, responsible for local laws, policies, and services. However, ultimate authority rests with the U.S. federal government, which oversees national issues like defense and federal laws. Puerto Rico's residents are U.S. citizens but cannot vote in presidential elections and have limited representation in Congress. The government manages daily affairs such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, aiming to balance local governance with federal oversight.