Governor of Puerto Rico

Since 1948, the governor in Puerto Rico is elected by the people of Puerto Rico. Before that date, the governor was chosen by the King of Spain (1508-1898) or by the President of the United States (1898-1948).

First governor-elect

In 1948, Luis Muñoz Marín was elected governor of Puerto Rico. On July 25, 1952, the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico was approved by the United States Congress.

Requirements to be governor

The Article IV Section 3 of the Constitution of Puerto Rico defines the requirements that must be met to occupy the governorship. The governor must be at least 35 years of age, must have been a citizen of the United States of America for the preceding five years, and a citizen and bona fide resident of Puerto Rico.

Powers of the Governor

The governor is the head of the executive branch of government. He has the power to veto any bill in the Legislative Assembly.

He is head of government, but not head of state, a position that corresponds to the president of the United States.

He has the power to appoint the members of his cabinet, the judges of the Supreme Court and all other courts on the island; however, all appointments for which he is empowered by law must have the advice and consent of the Senate and the House of Representatives, in the case of the Secretary of State.

The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico also establishes that the governor is the commander-in-chief of the Puerto Rico National Guard, but he will always have to report to the United States Department of Defense, for the use of the troops, since the National Guard is a body under the command of the United States Army and its commander in chief is the president of the United States.

During the beginning of each ordinary session (first months of the year) the Legislative Assembly must also present a message on the situation of the State and also submit a report on the conditions of the Treasury and disbursements for the following fiscal year, that is, from July 1 of the current year to June 30 of the following year.

Oath of office

The swearing-in of the office of governor of Puerto Rico is required by the Constitution and established by law. It is administered by the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico.

The governor's term is four years and, by constitutional provision, begins on January 2 of the year after the general election and ends when the governor-elect takes office.

List of Governors of Puerto Rico