How to Become the 51st state

Mr. Beat explains the process of becoming a new state in the United States so this new state could be united with them, and stuff.

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All images found in the public domain
Music by Electric Needle Room (Matt Beat)

Sources:
people.howstuffworks.com/new-state-in-us.htm
constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution…
usnews.com/news/articles/2012/11/07/despite-ref…
thoughtco.com/us-statehood-process-3322311
mentalfloss.com/article/12641/12-proposed-us-st…

So, you want to become a U.S. state. Well, here’s what you do.

First, do the people who live within your boundaries actually want to join the United States? If the majority actually do, usually its best that you have referendum to prove it, and then you can proceed.

Now, here’s where it gets a bit tricky. According to Article 4, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution, Congress can admit you as a state. You’ll need to petition to Congress, who would then need to create a bill called an “enabling act” and then vote on it. So you’ll have to convince the majority of Congress and the President that you becoming a state is not only good for your people, but also good for the United States as a whole. Also, you’ll need to make sure you have a form of government and constitution that is in compliance with the U.S. Constitution. In other words, if you’re communist, it’s not looking so good for you, buddy.

They may not want you. For example, if you have a lot of poverty within your boundaries, they would have to pay more for social programs to assist your citizens. Or if you joining might hurt their power and influence in government, they sadly may not want you either. If a majority of both houses of Congress do vote for you to join, and if the President also approves, congratulations...you’re in. If the President vetoes, then Congress can override his veto with a supermajority vote, or ⅔ of both houses of Congress saying yes.

Some say that a supermajority is needed anyway since the United States doesn’t seem that eager to add new states currently.

So good luck, buddy. You’re going to need it. Many have tried and many of failed. Ever heard of the states of Franklin, Jefferson, Superior, Absaroka, or Transylvania? No, you haven’t. Because they’re not states, but they really wanted to be. Shoot, Puerto Rico has been trying to become a state for decades, and even though the majority of its citizens want to join the United States, it doesn’t appear they are going to be joining any time soon.

But I believe in you. Go for it.