Form of Government

Translation by Hans Perl Matanzo

Under colonial rule, U.S. Federal Laws are imposed on Puerto Rico without the consent of Puerto Ricans, since Puerto Rico's residents do not participate in United States congressional or presidential elections. When Puerto Rico becomes an independent country, we will have complete sovereignty over our country's legislative process. Under independence Puerto Rico will have true self-government and the power of our legislature and executive would not be diluted, as it would be if Puerto Rico were to become a U.S. state.

Countries' governments are democratic or authoritarian as a result of their historic heritage and their political culture. Independent countries such as Costa Rica, New Zealand, France and the United States have lived under the rule of law, which protects individual liberties. Those countries, such as Puerto Rico, have understood the advantage of respecting political and civic struggles and have firmly rejected any attempt to establish authoritarian governments. Other countries have not had the opportunity to live under democratic rule of law. Presently, however, almost all the countries in our hemisphere have overthrown the dictatorial regimes which were common in the past and now enjoy a democratic form of government.

Under independence, Puerto Rico would immediately elect constitutional delegates with the mandate of drafting a constitution. The constitution would eventually be ratified by a referendum. Puerto Rico's constitution will define our country's government framework, divided into three branches: executive, legislative and judicial power. The constitution will protect human, civil and political rights such as freedom of expression, religion, press, association, rights of the accused, economic rights, social rights and prohibition of discrimination. Also, the Constitution will promote the right to obtain work, education, health, housing, nourishment, among others. Such rights will ensure the economic and social wellbeing of the nation.

The greatest amount of democracy is achieved by those governments which have the power to take decisions which affect the livelihood of their nation. Only under independence we will Puerto Rico gain the opportunity to achieve true self-government and the greatest possible amount of democracy.