ESTADO LIBRE ASOCIADO

While the nationalists mobilize independence, the Popular Democratic Party (PDP) announces in 1940, “The final political status of Puerto Rico is not an issue.” Under the leadership of Luis Munoz Marin, the PDP advocates that the Island be allowed to elect its own governor. Congress agrees, and Muñoz Marín becomes Puerto Rico’s first elected governor in 1948.

Two years later, the U.S. passes Public Law 600 permitting Puerto Ricans to draft a constitution. A related Senate report affirms that it “would not change Puerto Rico’s fundamental political, social and economic relationship with the U.S.” Governor Muñoz Marin presents an initial constitution in a 1951 referendum that asks Puerto Ricans to vote yes-or-no for the Commonwelath Constitution. Puerto Ricans approve it.