Final answer:
The government of Puerto Rico has changed since the Foraker Act was passed in 1900, establishing Puerto Rico as an American territory with a civil government.
Step-by-step explanation:
The government of Puerto Rico has undergone significant changes since the passage of the Foraker Act in 1900. The Foraker Act established Puerto Rico as an American territory and provided for the creation of a civil government on the island. Under the Foraker Act, Puerto Rico had a two-house legislature, with one lower house composed of elected delegates and an upper house appointed by the President of the United States.
However, it's important to note that the Foraker Act classified Puerto Rico as an insular area, differentiating it from incorporated territories like Hawaii. This designation meant that the inhabitants of Puerto Rico were not granted full rights of U.S. citizenship and a path to statehood.
It wasn't until 1917 that Congress granted U.S. citizenship to the people of Puerto Rico. Today, Puerto Rico is classified as a U.S. commonwealth, with its own government and elected officials.