Legal Document

The Platt Amendment wasn't exactly written to appeal to audiences used to Harry Potter-levels of excitement. It's written by Congress, after all. (*Stifled yawn.*)

That being said, it does exactly what it intends to do, nothing more and nothing less. It's a formal piece of legislation that states what Cuba can and can't do (well, mostly can't do) as a new country. There's no multi-page rambling, like some legislation suffers from, and even though sometimes Congressional language can be hard to understand—thanks to long run-on sentences—the meaning of each rule is pretty clear.

All y'all who have seen other Congressional legislation might notice a common feature at the very top of the document. It starts with "whereas," which is usually a giveaway that it's written by Congress. It states that Congress "provides as follows," which again is a giveaway that we're about to see a new rule or change.

Bring on the run-on sentences, Congress. We know you.

How it Breaks Down

Introduction: The Reminder

Before slamming Cuba with rules, Congress writes a little reminder that Spain is no longer in charge, and that the U.S. wants Cuba to become fully independent. This section quotes the Teller Amendment, saying that the U.S. can use military force to make sure Spain is gone from the island. Cuba will be given full control of itself, but only if its constitution includes the following rules.

Body: The Rules

One by one, here are the seven requirements that Cuba must follow. Each rule is different, but they all follow the same themes of making sure Cuba does not get involved with any other (non-U.S.) country and that it allows the U.S. to use land on the island whenever and wherever.

Conclusion: The Requirement

This final paragraph looks like it's Rule #8, but it's actually just a forceful reminder that Cuba must add these rules into its constitution. This is Congress' way of writing a conclusion, saying "do this or else." Such finality.