How are new states admitted into the Union?

The admission of new states into the Union is governed by the U.S. Constitution, specifically in Article IV, Section 3. According to this provision, Congress has the authority to admit new states. This involves passing a law that grants statehood, ensuring that the proposed state meets certain criteria and is in alignment with national interests.

This process illustrates the principle of federalism, where the national legislature is responsible for overseeing the expansion of the Union. It establishes a standardized method for admission, ensuring that all new states are treated equally and are subject to the same legal and constitutional framework. Other methods, such as a presidential decree or a local referendum, do not hold constitutional validity for state admission. Additionally, while the existing states may have some influence over the process, the ultimate decision rests with Congress, making the congressional route the correct and legally recognized pathway for admitting new states.