What major legislation did Congress pass in 1916 regarding the Philippines?

The correct answer is the Jones Act, which was significant legislation passed by Congress in 1916 concerning the Philippines. The Jones Act's full title is the Jones Law, and it officially recognized the Philippines as a U.S. territory, while also laying out a framework for their eventual self-governance. This law introduced a more autonomous government structure for the Philippines, establishing a bicameral legislature, which included a Senate and a House of Representatives, creating a more democratic system and providing the Filipino people with greater political power.

Moreover, the Jones Act set forth a pathway to eventual independence, though it did not set a specific date for withdrawal or independence. This established a critical shift in U.S. policy towards the Philippines, reflecting the growing sentiment for self-determination in the region.

In contrast, the other options refer to different legal frameworks and policies. The Philippine Independence Act, for instance, was enacted later, in 1934, to prepare the Philippines for independence after a ten-year transition period. The Teller Amendment, adopted in 1898, assured that the U.S. would not annex Cuba after the Spanish-American War, and the Foraker Act of 1900 established civil government in Puerto Rico, not the Philippines. Thus