Puerto Ricans granted US Citizenship

On March 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Jones-Shafroth Act, granting Puerto Rico status as a United States territory and granting all of its residents US citizenship. The Bill furthermore constructed a government and a bill of rights for the island and allowed its residents to serve in the US military.

In 1952, the rights of Puerto Rico and its residents were further extended when the island promulgated its own constitution.

THIS DAY @ LAW

India constitution ratified

On January 26, 1950, India ratified its constitution, formally making the new country a republic. On the same day, Rajendra Prasad was inaugurated as the republic's first president. The anniversary is celebrated today as Republic Day in India.

Tennessee became first state to ban alcohol sales

On January 26, 1838, Tennessee became the first US state to pass a law prohibiting the general sale of alcohol; fines paid by lawbreakers were put towards the support of public schools. Read more about the history of Prohibition.