Here are the three choices for Puerto Rico's future status according to the text: 1. Become an independent country. This would mean Puerto Rico is no longer tied to the United States politically. 2. Become the 51st U.S. state. If Puerto Rico became a state, Puerto Ricans would be able to vote in U.S. elections and would have to pay U.S. taxes. 3. Remain a commonwealth. Currently, Puerto Rico is a self-governing territory with a constitution of its own and ties to the U.S. but Puerto Ricans cannot vote in U.S. elections and do not pay U.S. taxes.

1. PUERTO RICO

2. • Puerto Rico was once a Spanish colony.
• When the US defeated Spain in the Spanish-
American War, Spain gave Puerto Rico to the US.
• Puerto Rico is part of the United States. Puerto
Ricans are United States citizens.
• A citizen is an individual with certain rights and
responsibilities under a particular government.

3. BUT PUERTO RICO IS NOT A STATE!
• Puerto Rico is a “commonwealth” of the United
States.
• A commonwealth is a self-governing political unit
that has strong ties to a particular country.

4. • Puerto Ricans cannot vote in US elections.
• They do not pay United States taxes.
• They can and do serve in the US military.
• Puerto Rico has its own lawmakers and constitution.

5. • Many Puerto Ricans move to the mainland United
States.
• Many people travel back and forth between the
mainland and Puerto Rico.

6. • Much of Puerto Rico is made up of hills and
mountains.
• Puerto Ricans hunt, fish, and raise chickens, pigs,
and cattle.
• Sugarcane is grown.

7. • As people travel back and forth, they bring customs
and products with them.
• There is much influence from the US.
• Most people are of Spanish and African ancestry.

8. • Puerto Rican cities show influences of Spanish,
Caribbean, and US mainland culture.
• About 75% of Puerto Ricans live in cities.
• San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital, has skyscrapers and
old Spanish-style buildings.
• Many people work in factories, hotels, and
restaurants.
• Tourism is a big industry.

9. COMMONWEALTH OR STATEHOOD?
• Should Puerto Rico become an independent
country?
• Should Puerto Rico become the 51st state in the US?
• Should Puerto Rico remain a commonwealth?

10. • Puerto Ricans have many disagreements over what
the status of their islands should be.
• If Puerto Rico becomes a state, it will be the poorest
state in the union.
• Puerto Ricans will be able to vote.
• Puerto Ricans will have to pay taxes.
• In the past twenty years, Puerto Ricans have voted
not to become the 51st state.

11. • If Puerto Rico becomes a separate country, no one
will be confused about their identity.
• Puerto Ricans want to make sure that they identify
with the Spanish language and Spanish culture.

12. BCR
• Identify the three choices that Puerto Rico has for its
future. Use information from the text to support your
answer.