Puerto Rico Constitution Article VIII - Senatorial and Representative Districts
Puerto Rico Constitution – Article VIII: Senatorial and Representative Districts
🔹 Overview:
Article VIII of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico establishes the creation, regulation, and apportionment of Senatorial and Representative Districts for the purpose of legislative representation in the Legislative Assembly, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
🔸 Key Provisions:
Section 1 – Senatorial Districts:
Puerto Rico is divided into senatorial districts for electing members of the Senate.
The number and boundaries of these districts are set by law.
Each district elects two senators.
Additional senators (at-large) are elected as provided by law to ensure proportional representation.
Section 2 – Representative Districts:
Similarly, Puerto Rico is divided into representative districts for electing members of the House of Representatives.
Each district elects one representative.
Additional representatives (at-large) may be elected by the general electorate to maintain proportional representation.
Section 3 – Apportionment:
The Legislative Assembly must review and revise the district boundaries after every decennial census to ensure fair representation.
Districts must be apportioned so that populations are as equal as practicable.
Section 4 – Proportional Representation Guarantee:
If a political party or independent candidate receives a significant percentage of the total vote but does not win enough district seats, additional at-large members may be assigned to ensure fair representation.
This is designed to protect minority party rights and ensure proportional representation in the Legislative Assembly.
🔹 Purpose of Article VIII:
To ensure fair, democratic representation in the legislature by establishing a system of both district-based and at-large seats, with adjustments for population changes and electoral fairness.
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