Constitution Day of Puerto Rico

JULY 25 was Constitution Day of Puerto Rico. The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is the controlling government document. It is composed of nine articles detailing the structure of the government as well as the functions of several of its institutions. This document also contains an extensive Bill of Rights. Since Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States, the Puerto Rico Constitution is bound to adhere to the postulates of the US Constitution, and of relevant federal legislation.

In a referendum held on March 3, 1952, it was ratified by Puerto Rico’s electorate, and on July 25, 1952, Governor Luis Marin proclaimed that the constitution was in effect. From there on, July 25 has been an official holiday in Puerto Rico

Earlier, on July 25, 1898, United States troops had invaded Puerto Rico. According to University of Puerto Rico Law Professor Antonio Fernos LopezCepero, Governor Munoz Marin chose July 25 for the proclamation of the Constitution with the intention of replacing the 1898 commemoration.

The constitution of Puerto Rico consists of nine articles. These nine articles provide for the structure of government in detail along with the functions of various institutions.

The constitution gives Puerto Ricans a high degree of autonomy. Since Puerto Rico is part of the United States, it also celebrates all the public holidays of the US. It has a republican form of government and the head of the state is the president of the United States.