States, Territories & Indigenous Nations
Article XVI · §16.1–§16.5
Territorial admission
A governing resolution or qualifying petition starts the proceeding. All three Monitor findings complete each audit. A first qualifying audit must be completed within two years of initiation; a second within two years after completion of the first audit determined compliant. Each needs an affirmative legislative compliance determination. Timely completed audits remain eligible for later decision. The second determination creates Statehood, subject to subdivision viability.
§15.2 — full provision →The responsible chamber
Assembly initially decides Territorial compliance; Senate initially decides existing-State audits and separate Provisional placement. Each initially has a statutory period at most ninety days. Inaction transfers authority automatically and exclusively to the other chamber, using the same threshold against that chamber. Further delay is judicially enforceable; courts cannot decide substantive compliance. Inconclusive votes are not adverse decisions.
§15.2.a — full provision →Remediation and restoration
First and second consecutive failed determinations require a Remediation Plan and a revision. A third permits a separate Provisional decision by a majority of full seated membership. Sitting senators finish terms; no new term begins while Provisional. Two consecutive biennial audits affirmatively determined compliant restore ordinary status automatically. There is no compulsory recurring devolution referendum.
§15.3 — full provision →Boundaries and self-government
Subdivision viability requires assessment and a legislative determination. Competing certified petitions enter the Convention process under paragraph (4); no resolution within ninety days means shared lapse and a three-year geographic bar. Merger needs sixty-percent approval, fifty-percent participation, receiving-State consent, Monitor assessment and Senate ratification. Devolution is voluntary under §15.4; independence uses the separate three-stage §15.9 process.
§15.5.a — full provision →