The Foraker Act established a civilian government in Puerto Rico shortly after it became an American territory.
The Foraker Act, Pub.L. 56–191, 31 Stat. 77, enacted April 12, 1900, officially known as the Organic Act of 1900, is a United States federal law that established civilian government on the island of Puerto Rico, shortly after it became a possession of the United States after the Spanish–American War. It also established that Puerto Ricans were also citizens of the United States.