July 25

On July 25th, 1952, Puerto Rico became a self-governing commonwealth of the United States.

Puerto Rico has the United States President as the head of state, but they also have an elected governor, a House of Representatives and a Senate. The US Congress has the same enumerated powers over Puerto Rico that it has over the states: maritime law, currency, citizenship, interstate commerce, foreign affairs, etc.

Puerto Rico differs from US states in that is exempt from certain federal taxes, and consequently does not get some kinds of funds states get. Puerto Ricans also do not vote in Presidential elections, and are not represented in either the Senate or House.