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Puerto Rico The United States took possession of Puerto Rico after winning the Spanish-American War in 1898. The United States established Puerto Rico as a "commonwealth" in 1950. Puerto Ricans are American citizens. They elect their own legislature and governor, but they may not vote in presidential elections. Puerto Rico is governed under American laws with a few notable exceptions. Puerto Rico is not required to pay federal taxes, and the island has a lower minimum wage than the fifty states. The people of Puerto Rico are divided about their future. In 1998, 46% of the Puerto Rican people voted to begin the process to become the 51th state, while 2.5% voted for full independence from the United States. A majority of the voters selected "none of the above," so it is unlikely that there will be any change in Puerto Rico's relationship with the United States in the foreseeable future. |
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