The Foraker Act, passed in 1900, established a civilian government in the territory of Puerto Rico after the United States acquired it from Spain following the Spanish-American War. This act created a framework for governance, including a governor appointed by the U.S. president and a legislature with limited powers. Under the Foraker Act, Puerto Ricans were granted U.S. citizenship but did not have the same rights as citizens in the states. The act also allowed the U.S. Congress to oversee the territory's finances and laws, reflecting the ongoing debate about the status and rights of territories acquired by the United States.