Puerto Rican Constitution of 1952

The Puerto Rican Constitution of 1952 established Puerto Rico as a Commonwealth, a semi-autonomous territory of the United States. It created a local government with a governor, legislative assembly, and judicial branch, while recognizing U.S. sovereignty. The constitution grants Puerto Ricans certain rights and self-governance, including local laws and policies, but important matters like defense and international relations remain under U.S. control. It also protected individual rights and set the framework for democratic governance, allowing Puerto Ricans to participate in elections and elected offices, while maintaining a unique political status within the U.S. framework.