Public law 81-600 | Acts amended Jones–Shafroth Act | |
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Long title An act to provide for the organization of a constitutional government by the people of Puerto Rico. Enacted by the 81st United States Congress | ||
The Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act of 1950 (Pub.L. 81–600) was an Act of Congress of the 81st United States Congress signed by President Harry Truman in July 3, 1950. The act was enacted in order to enable the people of Puerto Rico to organize a local government pursuant to a constitution of their own, comparable to those of other territories and states of the United States. From its enactment until this day, the act has served as the organic law for the government of Puerto Rico and its relation with the United States as a whole.
Effects
The act was submitted for rejection or approval to the people of Puerto Rico in a referendum held in 1951 where it was approved by voters. As enacted by the act, such approval automatically authorized the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico to call for a constitutional convention in order to draft a constitution for Puerto Rico. Once assembled, this convention prepared a draft for a new constitution that was ultimately approved in a referendum held in March 3, 1952. That constitution was then ratified by the 82nd United States Congress with a few amendments. This amended constitution was then officially proclaimed on July 25, 1952, immediately going into effect until this very day.
Once the constitution came into effect, the Puerto Rico Federal Relations Act automatically continued in force and effect the Jones–Shafroth Act, while repealing some of its provisions. These two acts, along with Pub.L. 82–447, form the basis for Puerto Rico's government today.