For the law regarding sailor rights, see the Jones Act
The Jones-Shafroth Act conferred United States citizenship to Puerto Ricans, and created the present system of government in Puerto Rico by creating a government mirroring the government structure of the United States.
Powers where separated among an Executive, Judical, and Legislative branch.
The law also provided civil rights to the individual, and created a locally elected bicameral legislature.
The two houses were a Senate consisting of 19 members and a 39-member House of Representatives.
Still, the Governor of Puerto Rico was appointed by the President of the United States. All cabinet officials had to be approved by the United States Senate, and the Congress had the power to veto any law passed by the Puerto Rican Legislature.
Also, the United States Congress had the power to stop any action taken by the legislature in Puerto Rico.
The United States maintained control over fiscal and economic matters and exercised authority over mail services, immigration, defense and other basic governmental matters.
The impetus for this legislation came from a complex of both local and mainland interests. Puerto Ricans lacked internationally recognized citizenship; but the local council was wary of "imposing citizenship." The Jones act also restricted economic trade with other countries. It ultimately also allowed Puerto Ricans to be drafted by the military during the first World War.
The act was signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson on March 2, 1917.
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