Public meetings, resources and constitutional awareness.
The path forward
A Constitutional
A Constitutional
Path to a New State.
The U.S. Constitution provides a process for forming a new state within an existing state. Here is how New Illinois is working toward that goal.
Grounded in the ConstitutionThe Constitution
The Constitution
Provides a Process
Article IV, Section 3 establishes the legal pathway. Forming a new state requires the consent of the affected state legislature and the approval of Congress.
Article IV, Section 3
Explore the Admissions Clause
“No new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State… without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.”View the Full Constitutional Text
Explore the Admissions Clause
From education to approval
Five Steps Toward New Illinois
A clear process. A stronger tomorrow.
Educate
IllinoisansBuild public understanding of the constitutional option.
Organize
LocallyDevelop county committees and community participation.
Build the
FrameworkPrepare the organizational and constitutional foundation for a new state.
Seek Illinois
ConsentThe Illinois General Assembly must approve the formation of a new state.
Seek Congressional
ApprovalCongress must approve the new state’s admission to the Union.
CONSTITUTIONAL APPROVALS REQUIRED
The movement’s work
Building the Foundation
New Illinois is focused on the essential work needed to move this idea forward.
Local committees and citizen participation.
Developing the proposed framework for representative government.
The questions that matter
Can a New State Work?
The Constitution provides a pathway, subject to state and congressional approval.
New Illinois is developing research to examine the economic viability of a new state.
The organization believes distinct regions could better address their different needs.
Select a question to explore the considerations.
Historical precedentStates Have Been Formed
States Have Been Formed
From Existing States
Each example arose from different historical circumstances, but each helps explain how American state boundaries have changed.
Clear answersWhat This Process
What This Process
Does—and Does Not—Mean
A new U.S. state—not a new country. The boundary and timeline remain undetermined, and approval is not guaranteed.
View All Frequently Asked QuestionsWould New Illinois leave the United States?
No. New Illinois is pursuing the formation of a new state within the United States—not separation from the country. If approved through the constitutional process, it would become another state within the Union.
Has the final boundary been decided?
No. New Illinois generally envisions participating counties and communities outside Chicago and urban Cook County. The exact boundary would be determined later through negotiation and the required legislative process.
Is approval automatic?
No. Organizing committees, issuing declarations or preparing a constitution would not create a new state by themselves. Article IV, Section 3 requires consent from the Illinois General Assembly and approval from the U.S. Congress.
How long could the process take?
There is no fixed timeline. Building public support, organizing communities and securing state and congressional approval could take years. The timing—and the final outcome—cannot be guaranteed.
Take the next step
A New Start Begins
A New Start Begins
With Informed Citizens.
Learn about the process, connect with your county and decide how you would like to participate.
“Stronger
Communities.
A Brighter
Tomorrow.”
