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The Foraker Act of 1900: Puerto Rico's First Civil Government Under U.S. Rule

After Puerto Rico was ceded by Spain to the United States in 1898, the island was governed by the U.S. military for approximately two years. Congress then passed the Foraker Act, also known as the Organic Act of 1900, establishing Puerto Rico's first civilian government under U.S. rule. The law took effect on May 1, 1900.

The new government included executive, legislative, and judicial branches, but political authority was divided very differently from Puerto Rico's government today. The President of the United States appointed the governor and the members of the Executive Council, while Puerto Rican voters elected the 35 members of the House of Delegates. The Executive Council also served as the upper chamber of the legislature, giving presidential appointees a significant role in making Puerto Rico's laws.


What Did the Foraker Act Establish?

The law created several important features of Puerto Rico's new civil government:


Why Was the Foraker Act Important?

The Foraker Act marked the transition from U.S. military rule to civilian government and established an early framework for the political relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States. However, Puerto Ricans did not yet have control over many of the government's most powerful positions. The governor, Executive Council, and Puerto Rico Supreme Court justices were appointed rather than elected locally, and Congress retained authority over Puerto Rico and could annul laws passed by its legislature.

The system created by the Foraker Act remained in place until the Jones-Shafroth Act of 1917 reorganized Puerto Rico's government and granted U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans. Puerto Rico's governmental structure continued to evolve afterward, eventually leading to an elected governor and the adoption of the Constitution of Puerto Rico in 1952.


The Evolution of Puerto Rico's Goverment

From U.S. territorial rule to the present, Puerto Rico's government has undergone significant changes in how its leaders are selected and how much authority Puerto Ricans have over their affairs.

Comparison of Puerto Rico's government under the Foraker Act of 1900, the Jones-Shafroth Act of 1917, and the Constitution of 1952.

Explore Puerto Rico's Political Evolution

Jones-Shafroth Act (1917)
U.S. citizenship and greater elected representation.

Constitution of 1952
The foundation of Puerto Rico's modern government.




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