Commonwealth (U.S. insular area) facts for kids
A Commonwealth is a special term used by two U.S. territories. These territories are the Northern Mariana Islands and Puerto Rico. In Spanish, Puerto Rico officially calls itself the 'Free Associated State of Puerto Rico'.
The U.S. State Department explains that "Commonwealth" doesn't mean a specific political status. It simply describes an area that governs itself. This area has its own constitution. The U.S. Congress promises not to take away this self-government without agreement.
Contents
Current Commonwealths
Puerto Rico: A Special Relationship
Puerto Rico first used the term "Commonwealth" in 1952. Its official English name became the "Commonwealth of Puerto Rico." The U.S. gained Puerto Rico in 1898 after the Spanish–American War.
In 1950, the U.S. Congress allowed Puerto Rico to create its own constitution. The people of Puerto Rico approved this constitution in 1952. This set up a republican government for the island.
Puerto Rico's relationship with the U.S. is often discussed. People debate if Puerto Rico should become a U.S. state. They also discuss if it should become an independent country. Or, if it should stay a U.S. territory. Only the U.S. Congress can decide Puerto Rico's future status.
Even though its Spanish name means "Free Associated State," Puerto Rico is not like countries that have a Compact of Free Association. Those countries, like Micronesia, are fully independent. Puerto Rico is still a U.S. territory.
Puerto Rico was organized by the Foraker Act in 1900. This law was later updated by the Jones–Shafroth Act in 1917. Puerto Rico has held several votes (referenda) on its future. In 2012, most voters did not want to keep the current territorial status. Among other options, becoming a U.S. state received the most votes.
Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens. They vote for a Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico. This person represents them in the United States House of Representatives. The Resident Commissioner can speak but cannot vote on the House floor.
Most Puerto Rico residents do not pay federal income taxes. They do pay Social Security and Medicare taxes. Puerto Rico does not have votes in the Electoral College. This college chooses the U.S. president and vice president.
Puerto Rico has its own sports teams. They compete in the Olympics and other international events. Puerto Rico also joins some international groups.
Northern Mariana Islands: Another Commonwealth
In 1976, the U.S. Congress approved an agreement. This agreement made the Northern Mariana Islands a Commonwealth. It created a political union with the United States.
Before November 28, 2009, the Northern Mariana Islands had its own immigration rules. Then, the U.S. Congress changed the agreement in 2008. This change meant that U.S. immigration laws would apply there.
Starting November 28, 2009, U.S. immigration laws replaced the local laws. This means the Northern Mariana Islands now follows the same immigration rules as the rest of the U.S.
How Commonwealths are Represented in Congress
U.S. territories, including commonwealths, do not have full representation in the U.S. Congress. They do not have Senators in the Senate. They also do not have voting Representatives in the House of Representatives.
The U.S. Constitution says each U.S. State gets two Senators. It also says how many Representatives each State gets based on its population. But it does not mention representation for territories.
However, territories do have a special kind of representation. They have a Delegate in the House of Representatives. This Delegate can vote in committees. But they cannot vote on the main House floor.
A Former Commonwealth: The Philippines
The Commonwealth of the Philippines was once a U.S. territory with commonwealth status. This lasted from November 15, 1935, to July 4, 1946.
The United States agreed in 1934 that the Philippines would become independent. There was a ten-year period of transition before it gained full independence.
See also
In Spanish: Estado libre asociado para niños
