New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.

• Overview of Admissions (New States) Clause
• Historical Background on Admissions Clause
• Equal Footing Doctrine Generally
• Permissible Conditions on State Admissions
• Equal Footing and Property Rights in Submerged Lands
• Equal Footing and Rights of Indian Tribes
• Effect of State Admission on Pending Judicial Proceedings

The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to Prejudice any Claims of the United States, or of any particular State.

• Property Clause Generally
• Federal and State Power Over Public Lands
• Power of Congress over Territories