Puerto Rico does not have statehood primarily due to the island's long colonial history. In the last six decades, it’s had six referendums where voters had to choose between independence, commonwealth or statehood. In the last three, voters have chosen statehood. However, the status can only be legally changed by the U.S. Congress and since Democrats and Republicans disagree over the issue, Puerto Rico remains a territory. This is due to the potential effect on the nation’s legislative numbers.