Constitution of Puerto Rico

The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is the primary organizing law for the unincorporated United States territory of Puerto Rico, describing in nine articles the duties, powers, structure, and functions of the local government and its relationship with the United States. Enacted under the Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act of 1950, the constitution was approved by Puerto Rico's residents in a referendum on 3 March 1952, ratified by the United States Congress on 3 July 1952, and proclaimed into effect by Governor Luis Munoz Marin on 25 July 1952, a date since celebrated as Constitution Day. It established the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, succeeding the insular government that had previously operated under the Foraker Act of 1900 and the Jones-Shafroth Act of 1917, and vested full authority over local government in Puerto Rico's own residents. As the constitution of a United States territory, it remains bound by and subordinate to the United States Constitution.