"The 51st state", in United States political discourse, is a phrase that refers to areas either seriously or facetiously considered candidates for addition to the 50 states already part of the United States.
In 2012, the possibility of Puerto Rico becoming the 51st state was discussed as a result of a nonbinding November 6, 2012, referendum where 54% of respondents voted to reject the current status under the territorial clause of the U.S. Constitution, while in a second question 61% favored statehood as the preferred alternative.
The phrase "51st state" can be used in a positive sense, meaning a region or territory is so aligned, supportive, and conducive with the United States that it is like the "51st state". It can also be used in a negative sense, meaning an area or region is perceived to be under excessive American influence or control. In various countries around the world, people who believe their local and/or national culture has become too Americanized sometimes use the term "51st state" in reference to their respective countries.
Read more about 51st State: Legal Requirements, Use Internationally, Use in Other Organizational Contexts
Famous quotes containing the word state:
“It is said that he once had a sore toe that so annoyed him that he went to the woodpile and chopped it off with an axe, quoting the Scripture, ‘If thy foot offend thee, cut it off.’”
—For the State of Rhode Island, U.S. public relief program (1935-1943)