The Foraker Act: Definition, Summary and Significance, what was the purpose of the act?
The Foraker Act was enacted in Pub.L.31 Stat.The Organic Act of 1900 established a civilian government on the island of Puerto Rico, which had recently become a possession of the United States.The Foraker Act established Puerto Rican citizenship.The Foraker Act was signed by President William McKinley on April 12, 1900.Secretary of War Elihu Root is the main author.[4]
The new government had a governor and an 11-member executive council appointed by the President of the United States, a House of Representatives with 35 elected members, and a non-voting Resident Commissioner in Congress.[4][5]
The Executive council was made up of people who were appointed by the President, including the attorney general and chief of police.The Insular Supreme Court was also appointed.All federal laws of the United States were to be in effect on the island.On May 1, 1900, Charles H. Allen was inaugurated as the first civil governor of Puerto Rico.The Jones–Shafroth Act replaced this law in 1917.
It is required that the same tariffs, customs, and duties be levied upon all articles imported into Puerto Rico from ports other than those of the United States which are required by law to be collected.
There was a temporary tariffs on goods transferred between Puerto Rico and the United States.Upon the implementation of local taxation by the Legislature of Puerto Rico, or on the first day of March, 1901, this tariffs was set to expire.
The money collected under section 2 would be put into a fund and held in trust for the benefit of the people of Puerto Rico until the Legislature was fully established.The funds would be transferred to the local treasury after the establishment of the new government.
San Juan was established as the capital of Puerto Rico and the seat of government was there.
The residents of Puerto Rico who were Spanish citizens and decided to stay until the 11th day of April 1899 would be entitled to the protection of the United States.A provision was made for residents who wanted to stay in Spain.
There is a provision for the replacement of Spanish currency with US Dollars.The debts that were previously payable in Puerto Rican currency would now be paid in US Dollars.
The mechanism to transfer property held by the United States Government as ceded by Spain to the newly established government of Puerto Rico was provided.
The statutes of the United States would apply to the citizens of Puerto Rico with the exception of internal revenue laws.
The newly formed government was given the power to amend or repeal any law that was in place during the transition.
The constitution of the United States and the laws of Puerto Rico should be supported by all government officials who take an oath to do so.
The president of the United States can appoint a chief executive with the title of governor who will be in office for four years.
The President of the United States has the power to appoint an executive council for the Governor of Puerto Rico that will last for four years.
A bicameral legislative body with one house consisting of the executive council as established in 18 and the other with 35 elected members serving a term of two years was established.The territory was to be divided into seven districts.
The mechanisms by which bills become law were defined.A bill can be proposed in either house, but must be passed by a majority vote in both houses to become a law.The bill that is passed by both houses is presented to the Governor.The bill becomes law when the governor signs it.The legislature can override a veto with a majority vote if the governor doesn't sign the bill.All bills passed by the legislative body have to be reported to the United States Congress.