Reference no: EM133007916

Ponsa Kraus discards the possibility of associations of Puerto Rico with the United States that don't involve either a "territorial status" or "statehood" (though a non-association is also possible through political independence).

If she is correct, and Congress currently has plenary power over Puerto Rico, as it does over all territories, how do you think Congress should exercise its powers in Puerto Rico, given its territorial status?

Question 1: In other words, should Congress exercise its powers differently in Puerto Rico because of Puerto Rico's territorial status, than it does in the "states", such as Florida?

Question 2: If Congress should treat Puerto Rico differently, how so? And why should it treat Puerto Rico (and other territories differently)?

Question 3: Or should Congress treat Puerto Rico (and other territories) the same way that it does the "states"? Why?

Question 4: In your response, recall that Congress's powers include taxing power, spending power, power to regulate commerce, power to declare war and maintain a military, investigatory power, eminent domain power, bankruptcy power, postal power, power to regulate citizenship, regulatory power over maritime affairs, and patent/copyright power.