Janice R. Andrews
The U.S. has had 50 states since Hawaii joined in 1959, but the nation’s population has since grown by over 150 million, with the majority settling in major cities. This has led to growing discussions about whether these cities should become their own states.
Cities with metro areas over 2 million people could theoretically function as independent states, with their own economies, cultures, and political needs. Advocates argue this could provide urban areas with more targeted governance and stronger representation in Congress.
However, the practical and political challenges make it unlikely. The process would require constitutional amendments and approval from both Congress and state legislatures—an extremely difficult task in today’s polarized political environment. Many states would oppose losing land, resources, and political influence, making it nearly impossible to gain the necessary support.
Additionally, creating new states would drastically shift the balance of power in the Senate, favoring urban areas. This is a contentious issue for rural and conservative regions, who would resist the change.
While the idea of turning major cities into their own states might make sense in some ways, it’s not realistic. The growing divide between urban and rural areas remains a pressing issue, underscoring the need for policies that better address the concerns of both sides.
