Is Puerto Rico The 51st State?
Puerto Rico and the US have a very complicated history and are still struggling to figure out if Puerto Rico is going to be a part of the US. The people of Puerto Rico want to be a state and a part of the US; 57% are in favor of becoming a state. But the US Congress hasn’t really thought about it and its the least of their priorities. Puerto Rico has been a US territory for 125 years and the US politically, economically, and militarily control Puerto Rico. Although the US Constitution doesn’t apply directly to Puerto Rico, people in Puerto Rico can’t vote for the US president or vice president but products manufactured in Puerto Rico are still labeled “Made in USA.” But, Puerto Ricans are still allowed to come to the US and not be considered illegal immigrants. The last state accepted into the US was Hawaii in 1959 and they had to go through a similar process that Puerto Rico is going through. So, who knows? Maybe we will be seeing a 51st star on the American flag soon.
​
1
Is Trump Going To Make Puerto Rico A State?
Although Puerto Rico needs approval from Congress to become a state, Puerto Rico has a decent chance of being that 51st state within the next 4 years. The new governor of Puerto Rico, Jenniffer González-Colón, is a Trump supporter. This could turn the wheels for Puerto Rico and we could see Puerto Rico becoming a state during Trump’s term. But things are still unknown as to when Puerto Rico will become a state; for now, it just lies in the 5.8 million Puerto Ricans in the US who can vote.
​
2
What's Puerto Rico's Government Like?
Puerto Rico currently is a self-governing commonwealth in association with the US and their head of government is an elected governor; which currently is Jenniffer González-Colón. There are 2 legislative chambers: House of Representatives and the Senate. The House of Representatives has 51 seats and the Senate has 27 seats. Just like US government, there are 3 branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary. The Executive branch is power exercised by the governor, who is elected by popular vote. The Legislative branch’s power rests with the Senate and House of Representatives and legislators are popularly elected for 4 years. Finally, the Judiciary Branch is directed by the Supreme Court and is formed by 8 judges picked by the governor; but the Federal Government in San Juan is represented by 2 judges. Overall, Puerto Rico has a similar political and government stance as the US.
