Options For The Formation of New States
The joint resolution and ordinance of annexation contain language permitting the formation of up to four additional states out of the former territories of the Republic of Texas:
New States of convenient size not exceeding four in number, in addition to said State of Texas and having sufficient population, may, hereafter by the consent of said State, be formed out of the territory thereof, which shall be entitled to admission under the provisions of the Federal Constitution.The joint resolution required that if any new states were formed out of Texas’ lands, those north of the Missouri Compromise line would become free states and those south of the line could choose whether or not to permit slavery. Article Four of the Constitution allows the creation of new states out of an existing one with the consent of both the legislature of that state and of Congress.
Read more about this topic: Texas Annexation
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