Final answer:
Puerto Rico is a U.S. commonwealth with substantial autonomy and its own constitution since 1952. Its residents are U.S. citizens, but they cannot vote in presidential elections and do not pay federal income taxes unless they work for the federal government. The island has a mixed economy with significant U.S. subsidies and a debated political future regarding statehood or independence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Puerto Rico is officially classified as a U.S. commonwealth, and it operates under the Puerto Rican Federal Relations Act. The act grants considerable autonomy to Puerto Rico while still under U.S. sovereignty. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens; however, they cannot vote in U.S. presidential elections and do not pay federal income tax unless they are federal employees, but they do elect their government. The status of Puerto Rico has been debated for many years with some residents supporting statehood and others independence.
In 1917, U.S. citizenship was extended to Puerto Ricans, and since 1952, they've had their constitution which provides for internal self-government. Despite this autonomy, about 60 percent of Puerto Rico's population lives below the poverty line. The economy, once dependent on agriculture, has transitioned to a diverse industrial sector, although it receives substantial U.S. government subsidies.
The political future of Puerto Rico remains a topic of debate, with past referendums showing Puerto Ricans almost evenly split between desiring statehood, keeping the commonwealth status, or seeking independence. This reflects the complex history of the island, from colonial rule to its current relationship with the United States.