Is Puerto Rico a commonwealth of the US?

Answer 1

If the question is the difference between, for example, the State of Connecticut and the self-governing, autonomous political unit known as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, then there are indeed differences. For example, Puerto Rico, which is voluntarily associated with the United States, has no voting representation in Congress, and Puerto Rican citizens (Added: Puerto Ricans are American citizens) are not allowed to vote in presidential elections (Added: Only Puerto Ricans living in Puerto Rico can't vote for the President. Once living in any other state they can vote). On the "up" side, the Internal Revenue Code does not apply to Puerto Rico, so they don't pay federal taxes. But Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens; they pay into Social Security; can receive federal welfare; and can serve in the U.S. armed forces. The Northern Mariana Islands are another U.S. Commonwealth.

Added : I think the route of the question was " Commonwealth" vs State .

Massachusetts and Virginia are known as Commonwealths but I think that term is now archaic as the Constitution protects all States equally.

My understanding is that the "territory" Or "Protectorate" on Puerto Rico was GIVEN the right of self government by the U.S Congress early in the 20th century , this means that what Congress gives , they can take away .

PR has no "State Rights' but is not independent either . When trouble arises with their politicians or police , the Feds move in (very often lately) as if there was no self government . Added: Federal Government in Puerto Rico work just like any other state.

The US Gov. tried to force English on their people years ago but it never flew , now its just mandatory (under their own law) that they teach it in school.

They carry US passports and Ham Radio Operators are licensed by the FCC.

They use the US Postal service .

Very interesting place , I've been there 5 times .

They measure Miles per gallon but they sell gas by the liter and road signs are in Km .

All traffic signs are American style but written in Spanish .

The people call their Island "Porto Rico" . Added: Only American from the US continental call it like that. Everyone else call it "Puerto Rico".

You can find little roadside stands every mile 24 hours a day in places to buy chicken , pork , juice or electronics .

The music never stops .
It is larger then Delaware and Rhode Island combined.

Answer 2

No, Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States. In many regards, Puerto Rico functions similarly as a US State, as it has its own government laws, an elected governor, its own Senate and House of Representatives and its own Constitution. But it is subject to the Constitution of the United States and also to any legislation the US Congress may pass regarding how its government operates. Unlike a state, Puerto Rico has only a non-voting representative in Congress and so cannot participate directly in election of a President..

Answer 3

Puerto Rico is a territory with commonwealth political status. This means the territory is semi-autonomous with its own governing body.

Commonwealth status is not to be confused with a commonwealth state like Kentucky, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. Puerto Rico is a commomwealth of the United States. The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state in the United states.

Answer 4

the common wealth of the puerto rico is the indain and they fight for the land.

Answer 5

Yes, the offical title of Puerto Rico is actually "The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico".

Answer 6

yes, but they have to follow all Federal Laws.