✦ An independent civic guideResearch edition

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The essentials of public institutions

Ten short guides. Read in order or start with the question that brought you here.

  1. One island, three levels

    The map before the acronyms: federal, state-level, and municipal.

    5 min readRead the guide →
  2. The Constitution and shared power

    How fundamental rules distribute and limit authority.

    4 min readRead the guide →
  3. From the governor to the agencies

    Who implements the laws and how the work is distributed.

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  4. Not everything is a department

    Distinguish departments, public corporations, bureaus, and boards.

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  5. How an idea becomes law

    The two chambers, bills, and the governor’s role.

    4 min readRead the guide →
  6. Courts, disputes, and oversight

    Why adjudication, investigation, and auditing are different functions.

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  7. The government closest to home

    Mayors, municipal legislatures, and local responsibilities.

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  8. The federal government connection

    Jurisdiction, programs, and offices serving Puerto Rico.

    4 min readRead the guide →
  9. Follow the budget

    Who prepares, certifies, administers, and reports on public money.

    6 min readRead the guide →
  10. Find the institution and the evidence

    A practical route to services, documents, and answers.

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