List of U.S. state partition proposals

List of U.S. State Partition Proposals

The List of U.S. State Partition Proposals refers to various initiatives and ideas put forth over the years aimed at dividing existing U.S. states into smaller, more manageable, or culturally cohesive states. These proposals often arise from political, economic, or cultural disputes within states, and the proponents argue that new states would represent their constituents more effectively. However, the process of state partition is complex and requires approval from both state legislatures and the United States Congress, making actual changes rare.

Overview

Partition proposals are often driven by a perceived disconnect between different regions of a state, whether it be economic differences, political affiliations, or cultural identities. For example, rural areas might feel underrepresented in state governments dominated by urban centers. These proposals can also stem from long-standing historical or cultural differences.

Notable Proposals

California

• Six Californias: Proposed by venture capitalist Tim Draper in 2014, this plan aimed to split California into six states to provide closer representation and more efficient governance. The proposal did not receive enough support to reach a ballot.
• State of Jefferson: An ongoing movement that dates back to the 1940s, advocating for the creation of a new state from parts of Northern California and Southern Oregon to better represent the rural populations of those areas.

Texas

• Five Texases: Occasionally discussed, this idea involves splitting Texas into five states to better manage its vast geographic and economic landscape. The concept is rooted in a provision of the 1845 joint resolution for annexing Texas into the United States, which allows for the potential division of Texas into multiple states.

New York

• New Amsterdam: Proposed to separate Upstate New York from the more urbanized regions around New York City, addressing economic and political differences.

Illinois

• Separation of Chicago from Illinois: Proposals have been made to create a new state from the Chicago metropolitan area, distinguishing it from the rest of Illinois, which is predominantly rural and agriculturally focused.

Challenges and Considerations

Creating a new state involves numerous challenges. It requires significant political support both at the state and federal levels, as well as a feasible economic plan for the new states. Additionally, cultural and identity issues play a significant role in the feasibility of such proposals.

See Also

• Secession in the United States
• List of U.S. states by date of admission to the Union
• Territorial evolution of the United States