The Puerto Rican Constitution of 1952

The Puerto Rican Constitution of 1952 established the island as a commonwealth of the United States, giving it a degree of self-governance. It created a local government with its own legislative, executive, and judicial branches while allowing for U.S. federal laws to apply. The constitution ensures fundamental rights and freedoms for Puerto Rican citizens and outlines the structure of government, including a bicameral legislature, a governor, and a judiciary. This arrangement aimed to reflect Puerto Rico's unique identity while maintaining its relationship with the U.S. as an unincorporated territory.