Constitution of Puerto Rico

The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (Spanish: Constitución del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, lit. 'Constitution of the Free Associated State of Puerto Rico') is the primary organizing law for the unincorporated U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, describing the duties, powers, structures, and functions of the local government of Puerto Rico and its relation with the U.S. in nine articles. Established under the Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act of 1950, it was approved by the residents of the archipelago and island in a constitutional referendum on March 3, 1952, ratified by the U.S. Congress as per Pub. L. 82–447 on July 3, 1952, and proclaimed into effect by Governor Luis Muñoz Marín on July 25, 1952, which is celebrated as Constitution Day. As the constitution of a U.S. territory, it is bound by the U.S. Constitution.

The Constitution of Puerto Rico established the current Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, which succeeded the insular government that operated under the Foraker Act from 1900 to 1917 and the Jones–Shafroth Act from 1917 to 1952.

Under constitution, the unincorporated U.S. territory of Puerto Rico is neither a sovereign state nor a U.S. state. Puerto Rico is subject to the territorial sovereignty and federal government of the U.S., which is responsible for the monetary policy, foreign relations, defense, among other enumerated powers. The local government of Puerto Rico is responsible for education, law enforcement, elections, among other reserved powers. Both governments share concurrent powers, including taxation and fiscal policy. The political status of Puerto Rico is an ongoing debate.