<P> Puerto Rico has been under U.S. sovereignty for over a century and Puerto Ricans have been U.S. citizens since 1917 . Since the promulgation of the current Commonwealth constitution in 1952, further local attempts to change the island's political status took place in 1967, 1993, and 1998 . An additional referendum held in 1991 sought to amend the relationship through an amendment to the Puerto Rican constitution . Each time, the results favored retaining the current status over the possible independence of Puerto Rico and statehood alternatives . </P> <P> As a result of Puerto Rico's status as a U.S. territory, the citizens of Puerto Rico do not have any voting representation in the U.S. Federal government . Instead of outright representation through Senators and House Representatives, Puerto Rico has one non-voting Resident Commissioner in the House of Representatives . Furthermore, Puerto Rico is not represented in the Electoral College, and thus U.S. citizens resident there are unable to vote in U.S. presidential elections . Citizens of Puerto Rico can vote in the Republican and Democratic primary elections . </P> <P> Although Puerto Rico presently has a certain amount of local autonomy, according to the U.S. Constitution ultimate governance of the island is retained by both the U.S. Congress and President . Thus, results of plebiscites, whether or not authorized by Congress, while they reflect public sentiment, and thus bear some impact, can be ignored by Congress . Ultimately, the results of Puerto Rican plebiscites are opinions, although congressional resolutions have expressed support for following the will of the Puerto Rican people . </P> <P> The English term commonwealth "does not describe or provide for any specific political status or relationship...(and) when used in connection with areas under U.S. sovereignty that are not states...broadly describes an area that is self - governing under a constitution of its adoption and whose right of self - government will not be unilaterally withdrawn by Congress". It is the same terminology used elsewhere but with other different meanings than what is meant for Puerto Rico: </P>

Who has the authority to declare puerto rico a state or an independent nation
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