cd

What is the difference between a Territory (St Thomas) and a Commonwealth (Puerto Rico) as related to the U.S.? And how does a Commonwealth, which has voting privilages, become a state? And how does a Territory become either a Commonwealth or a State so that they could have voting rights? Sorry to be so dumb about this subject, but thanks in advance.

Citylghts

Simply put, a Commonwealth has a constitution and greater control over internal affairs than a Territory (or possession).

As far as I know, the procedure to become a state is the same. However, one need never become a 'state' as Massachusetts, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Virginia were admitted to the US as Commonwealths, not states.

cd

Thanks Citylghts
While in St Thomas, we had a taxi driver that was angry because of no voting rights in the U.S. What would it take for them to become a commonwealth, thereby having voting rights?

Citylghts

It depends in which elections he wants to vote. All the US posessions have a non-voting delegate to Congress. Because their representatives don't vote, they are also exempt from many federal taxes, so it's a two-edged sword.

If your cabbie wants a stronger local government, then VI would have to draft its own constitution. If he wants to vote for US President, he has three options:
-Convince the VI government to apply for statehood.
-Move to one of the 50 states. He's already a US citizen so if he lived in one of the states, he could vote.
-Convince Congress to amend the US Constitution (as was done to allow DC residents to vote in 1961).

cd

Good information Citylghts. Thank you! I need to get a 6th grade civics book and do some reading.

nytraveler

Just because your cabbie wanted to have representation in Congress don;t expect anything to happen soon. When there was a plebiscite in Puerto Rico voters choose to remain a Commonwealth (presumably for the financial advantages) rather than become a state.