Jordan Huggins

Professor Witherspoon
English 102
31 October 2014
Puerto Rico: The Commonwealth or Fifty-First?

The United States has had a somewhat rocky relationship with Puerto Rico.
The countrys status with the states has changed numerous times throughout the
years. Puerto Ricos national pride, along with what it offers for the U.S. has been
keeping Puerto Rico in a difficult position. The people of the territory have various
views and hopes for the future of their country. The newfangled colonialism of the
country has affected its residents in distinct ways.
Puerto Rico has been a colonial possession of the United States since 1898
after he Spanish-American War. On July 25, 1952, a new constitution was passed,
which helped the country establish a republican government. Even after this, the
people of Puerto Rico still made numerous attempts to become an independent
country. Unfortunately, it still remains United States territory. As a result, the citizens
have been U.S. citizens since 1917. However, they are ineligible to participate in the
U.S. presidential elections, along with other restrictions. One resident commissioner
represents Puerto Rico in the House of Representatives, rather than having Senators.
In addition to this, U.S. Congress and the president still possess capital government
over the islands. As a result, the U.S. Congress can overlook referendums and
plebiscites organized by the people.
Though the ballots can be ignored, the U.S. does pay attention when it comes
to the political status of Puerto Rico. The islands have been a commonwealth ever

since the constitution of 1952. Numerous plebiscites have been held regarding the
countrys status. The country is separated into three different political parties: The
New Progressive party, the Puerto Rican Independence party, and the Popular
Democratic party. These parties give the territory three choices, to remain as such and
capitalize on being U.S. territory, become an independent country, or become the
fifty-first state of America, respectively. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico retains the title of
being a U.S. territory and not an actual state. Although, people born in Puerto Rico
are considered to be legitimate U.S. citizens, they are not given the same rights as
someone born in the United States. Puerto Ricans are not given the full Bill of Rights,
but are given a set of fundamental civil rights.
The colonization of Puerto Rico may impact the residents in various ways.
People who are a part of the Puerto Rican Independence party may be driven by their
nationalism to convert the islands to an independent country. Becoming a state could
make Puerto Rico a victim of cultural deprivation. Puerto Ricans residing in the U.S.
are already forced to abandon some of their traditions and adapt to American culture.
Those of the New Progressive party are more concerned with the economic status of
the territory than the pride of the people. National pride is an aspect that separates the
people into these parties; the colonization is not a totally grim situation though. Puerto
Rico has the opportunity to capitalize and take advantage of statehood or remaining
U.S. territory. Becoming a state can provide the people with more jobs, and more
fortuity to gain wealth. However, the country cannot remain stagnant, action must be
taken before this freedom can be granted.

Puerto Rico remains U.S. territory. The people of the country have many
possible paths to take as far as their relationship with the United States, all which
have their benefits and consequences. Regardless of what the decision is, a decision
must still be made to solidify the status of the islands. Whatever status the residents
choose, they must not abandon their national pride and strength. The United States
can be a great benefactor, but should not be allowed to be the ruler of that country.