However, the sovereignty of the states is constitutionally defined and recognized, while the powers of the local government in Puerto Rico are defined by, and subject to alteration under, federal statutory law.

Return to private life

After his twenty-five years in public service Thornburgh re-entered private legal practice returning to K&L Gates the law firm he originally joined in 1959. During his two terms as Governor Thornburgh balanced the commonwealth's budgets for eight successive years reduced both personal and business tax rates cut the state's record-high indebtedness and left a surplus of $350 million. Marston a former U.

S. Attorney General from 1988 to 1991.