75 to 80 New States for United States
✅Reimagining America: Expanding the States, Strengthening Democracy, and Preventing a Fractured Future
Subtitle
Why a 75-state America and modernized institutions may be key to preserving the Union
Introduction: When the Map No Longer Fits Reality
The United States continues to operate with a 20th-century political framework in a 21st-century world. Our population has grown dramatically. Our regions have diverged culturally, economically, and politically. Yet our governing institutions remain largely unchanged.
If we want to preserve the Union, we must be willing to reform it.
This begins with three interconnected ideas: expanding the number of states, modernizing representation, and protecting voting rights. At the same time, we must confront a deeper question—what happens if these pressures continue to build without meaningful reform?
Expanding the Union: Why America Needs More States
The United States currently consists of 50 states, but this number is neither fixed nor sacred. A nation of more than 330 million people requires more granular and responsive representation.
A Proposal: Grow to ~75 to 85 States
This expansion could include:
- Statehood for Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Micronesia, and depending on geo-political trends parts of Mexico, Canada, Greenland, perhaps Cuba, Nicaragua, Panama, and Venezuela.
- Division of large states to reflect regional realities:
- California (e.g., Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego perhaps with TJ as part of it and Baja California) Sacramento-Tahoe, Central Valley, NE California, Dessert California)
- Texas (Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, Austn, El Paseo and perhaps Mexican border towns)
- Desert consisting of Mormon dominated states of Greater Idaho, Utah, and parts of Nevada and Arizona)
- New York (NYC and upstate regions)
- Illinois (Chicago land and downstate)
- Oklahoma split between Western Oklahoma and Eastern Indian nation with smaller tribes affiliated with major tribes)
- Navaho and Hopi Nation
- Iroquois Nation
- Sioux Nation
- Native Alaskan nation
- Consideration of longstanding proposals such as the State of Jefferson NE California, Southern and Eastern ORegon, Eastern Washington)
- Caribbean Nations
- French North America Quebec, Montreal, Louisiana, NE Maine, Haiti, St Luis, Dominica, Martinque and Guadeloupe with the Capitol in Quebec
The goal is not partisan advantage—it is more effective governance and fairer representation.
Rebalancing Congress for a Modern Population
The House of Representatives has been capped at 435 members since 1929, despite the population more than tripling.
Reform Proposal
- Expand the House to approximately 750 members
- Increase Senate seats as new states are admitted
- adding new representatives and Senators every ten years rather than redistricting them as we do now
This would:
- Reduce the size of House districts
- Improve constituent representation
- Better reflect regional diversity
Modernizing Voting Rights: Accessibility and Trust
A durable democracy depends on both access and legitimacy.
Key Reforms
- Make Election Day a national holiday with polls open 24 hours from midnight to midnight
- Expand early voting to a multi-week process
- end restrictions of providing food, water, drinks and toilet facilities to voters standing in long lines
- Allow same-day voter registration
- Provide free, universal biometric photo voter ID at registration like many countries already do.
- Standardize absentee ballot systems
- Expand secure ballot drop-off options
- allowing people to vote at any open polling precinct
- End arbitrary voter roll purges
- ensuring that all ballots received up to a week after the election are counted
- Protect certified election outcomes from legislative override
- Ending partisan gerrymandering through setting up bipartisan redistricting commissions who will use AI tools to draw fairer maps, and redistricn add new representatives every ten years but not in-between censuses.
- look at possible virtual voting options if feasible.
These reforms are designed to increase participation while strengthening confidence in election integrity.
A Deeper Reality: America as a Collection of Regions
Political scientist Colin Woodard argues that North America reflects a mosaic of regional “nations,” each shaped by distinct histories and values.[1]
This framework helps explain:
- Persistent political polarization
- Regional policy differences
- Cultural and economic divides
In many ways, the current political map obscures a more complex reality on the ground.
If Reform Fails: A Fragmented Future
In my unpublished novel The Great Divorce, I explore what could happen if structural pressures go unresolved.
The scenario: North America evolves into multiple political entities aligned with distinct cultural and ideological identities.
Emerging Patterns
- Traditionalist regions consolidate into more centralized federations
- Urban and coastal regions form pluralistic networks
- Major metropolitan areas evolve into quasi-independent political units
The result is not necessarily open conflict, but prolonged geopolitical tension shaped by competing visions of governance.
An Alternative Path: A North American Union or a Real Western Hemisphere Union
There is another possibility—greater integration rather than fragmentation.
A North American Union could resemble the European Union:
- Sovereign states maintaining political independence
- A common market and coordinated economic policy
- Shared frameworks for security and foreign policy
Such a system would allow regions to maintain distinct identities while preserving stability and cooperation.
Why This Matters Now
Recent debates—about statehood, regional identity, and political realignment—signal a system under strain.
The choice is not whether change will occur, but how:
- Reform
- Fragmentation
- Integration
Conclusion: Reform as Renewal
Expanding the number of states, modernizing representation, and strengthening voting rights are not radical proposals. They are pragmatic responses to structural challenges.
The United States has adapted its map before. It can do so again—not as a sign of division, but of renewal.
If we want to preserve the Union, we must be willing to evolve it.
Endnotes
- Woodard, Colin. American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America. Penguin Books, 2011.
- Overview of U.S. statehood movements (general reference)
- “Six Californias” proposal background
- Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. statehood discussions
- State of Jefferson and regional realignment movements
✅ VERSION 2: 750‑WORD OP‑ED (WP / NYT / FOREIGN POLICY READY)
Title
Expand the States to Strengthen the Union
The United States is outgrowing its political structure. With more than 330 million people, our system of representation no longer reflects the size or diversity of the nation it serves. If we want to strengthen American democracy, we must modernize it.
A practical place to begin is with the structure of the Union itself.
The United States should expand to roughly 75 states. This would start with granting statehood to Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. territories, whose residents are American citizens yet lack full representation in Congress. It should also include dividing some of the largest states—such as California, Texas, New York, and Illinois—into smaller, more representative units that better reflect regional realities.
This is not a break with American tradition. Throughout U.S. history, states have been added and borders adjusted to reflect population growth and shifting political needs. Today’s conditions call for a similar response.
Congress must also evolve. The House of Representatives has remained fixed at 435 members since 1929, even as the population has more than tripled. Expanding the House to approximately 750 members would reduce the size of districts, improve responsiveness, and strengthen the connection between citizens and elected officials. The Senate would expand accordingly as new states are admitted.
Voting rights must also be modernized and protected. A democratic system works only if citizens can participate easily and trust the outcome. Making Election Day a national holiday, expanding early voting, allowing same-day registration, and standardizing absentee ballot procedures would improve access. Providing free voter identification at registration would strengthen confidence in election integrity.
These reforms are not simply administrative. They are essential to maintaining legitimacy.
The United States is often treated as a single political entity, but in reality it is a collection of regions with distinct histories, cultures, and priorities. Political scientist Colin Woodard has described North America as a grouping of rival regional “nations,” a framework that helps explain current polarization.[1]
When institutions fail to reflect that diversity, tensions grow.
We are already seeing signs of strain: proposals to split large states, ongoing debates over territorial status, and widening regional differences in policy. While many of these ideas remain speculative, they point to a deeper problem—a political system that no longer feels representative to many Americans.
We face a choice. We can reform our institutions to better reflect the country as it exists today, or we can allow divisions to deepen over time. History suggests that reform is the more stable path.
Expanding the number of states, improving representation, and strengthening voting rights will not eliminate polarization. But they can restore confidence in democratic institutions and ensure that all Americans have a meaningful voice in government.
The map of the United States has changed before. It can change again—not as a sign of decline, but as a sign of renewal.
If we want a stronger Union, we must be willing to adapt it.
Author Bio (Short Form)
Jake Cosmos Aller is a retired U.S. Foreign Service Officer and writer focused on democracy, governance reform, and the future of North America. he blogs at https://theworldaccordingtocosmos,com and has a bloglovin, FB, Fan Story, Substack, Medium, Wattpad and Spotify podcast under the the world according to cosmos brand.
Disclaimer / Disclosure
The views expressed are solely those of the author.
This article reflects the author’s professional and personal experience, including decades of public service and international engagement.
AI-assisted editing tools (including Microsoft Copilot) were used for structural refinement, grammar, and clarity. All ideas and conclusions are the author’s own.
Endnote
- Woodard, Colin. American Nations. Penguin Books, 2011.
Submission Links
Email:
- letters@nytimes.com
- letters@washpost.com
✅ If you want next refinement:
- I can tailor tone specifically to Foreign Policy (more geopolitical/analytical)
- Or create a ~500-word NYT “letter-perfect” version, which significantly increases acceptance odds
Just tell me 👍
Here’s my final blog piece. Please re-edit for flow, grammar, punctuation and spelling and remove any duplicative language. Break it down into two pieces, long-form blog piece formatted for Substack with SEO headers, and a shorter 750 word op ed for the WP and NYT and perhaps Foreign Policy.
____________________________ Reimagining America: More States, Broader Democracy, and a Fragmented Future
What if the map of the United States—and even North America—no longer reflected reality? What if our political structure evolved to match our population, our diversity, and our deeply rooted regional identities?
This post brings together two ideas: a practical proposal to expand representation in the United States, and a speculative vision of what could happen if those pressures go unresolved.
I. Expanding the United States: A 21st-Century Reform Agenda
The United States is overdue for structural reform. Our population has grown dramatically, yet our governing institutions remain largely frozen in a 20th-century framework. To address this, I propose three major reforms:
1. Expand the Union
The United States should grow to roughly 75 states, reflecting both population size and regional diversity.
This would include:
- Granting statehood to Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Micronesia.
- Dividing large states into more manageable and representative entities, such as:
- California into multiple states (e.g., Bay Area, Los Angeles, Central Valley, etc.)
- Texas into several regions (e.g., Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, El Paso, San Antonio)
- New York into a New York City state and an upstate regionnew naitons
- Illinois into Chicago and downstate Illinois
- Creating new regional states such as the long-discussed State of Jefferson in parts of Northern California and the Pacific Northwest.
The goal is not partisan advantage, but better governance and fairer representation.
2. Expand Congress
- Increase the House of Representatives to approximately 750 members to reflect population growth.
- Expand the Senate proportionally as new states are admitted.
This would bring representation closer to the people and reduce the distortions created by underrepresentation.
3. Protect and Modernize Voting Rights
A stronger democracy requires accessible, secure elections. Key reforms include:
- Making Election Day a national holiday
- Expanding voting into a multi-week process, including early voting
- Providing universal voter ID, issued free at registration
- Allowing same-day registration and flexible voting locations
- Standardizing absentee ballots and expanding secure drop-off access
- Ending arbitrary purges of voter rolls
- Protecting election outcomes from legislative override
Together, these reforms would strengthen both access and trust in the electoral process.
II. Why Reform Matters: A Continent of Many “Nations”
Political scientist Colin Woodard has argued that North America is not one unified culture, but a patchwork of distinct regional “nations,” each with its own values, traditions, and political tendencies.[1]
These divisions—between coastal and interior regions, urban and rural areas, and differing cultural histories—are not new. But in recent years, they have become more pronounced.
Proposals to:
- Split major states,
- Reorganize regions,
- Or even reconsider national borders,
…reflect a growing sense that our political system is out of sync with lived reality.
III. A Speculative Future: “The Great Divorce”
In my unpublished novel The Great Divorce, I explore a more extreme possibility: what happens if these tensions are not resolved.
In this scenario, North America evolves—peacefully or otherwise—into a network of 15 or more new nations, each aligned with distinct political and cultural identities.
Two Broad Blocs Emerge
- Traditionalist federations emphasizing order, hierarchy, and religious or cultural uniformity
- Pluralistic federations emphasizing diversity, decentralization, and individual freedoms
Between them lies a prolonged geopolitical competition—a kind of cold conflict shaped by ideology rather than geography.
Examples of Emerging Nations
- A California-led federation with a strong emphasis on innovation, multiculturalism, and decentralized governance
- A New York–based federation anchored in finance, media, and global connections
- A Great Lakes region combining industrial and multicultural traditions
- A Texas-centered bloc balancing regional identity with economic power
- A Christian States federation rooted in traditionalist values
- Independent or semi-autonomous regions including:
- A Pacific federation
- A Caribbean and Central American bloc
- A network of Indigenous nations
- A revitalized Quebec-centered polity
Major metropolitan areas—New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and others—evolve into city-states or hybrid political units, reflecting their global economic roles.
IV. A Different Path: A North American Union
Rather than fragmentation, there is another possibility: integration.
A reimagined North America could evolve into a European Union–style system, with:
- Independent nations,
- A common market,
- Shared currency frameworks,
- Coordinated foreign policy and defense structures.
Such a system would allow regions to maintain identity while preserving economic and political cooperation.
V. Why This Matters Now
Recent political discourse—ranging from territorial debates to proposals to split states or realign borders—highlights a fundamental truth:
The structures of governance we inherited may no longer fit the realities of the present.
Whether through reform, fragmentation, or integration, change is coming.
The real question is whether we shape it deliberately—or react to it after the fact.
Conclusion
Expanding the number of states, strengthening democratic institutions, and acknowledging regional diversity are not radical ideas—they are pragmatic responses to modern realities.
At the same time, imagining more dramatic futures helps clarify what is at stake.
The map of North America has changed before. It may well change again.
Endnotes
- Woodard, Colin. American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America. Penguin Books, 2011.
- “51st State” and territorial statehood discussions: see Wikipedia overview of U.S. statehood movements.
- “Six Californias” proposal and similar state-division ideas: https://time.com/archive/7161152/tim-draper-six-californias-proposal-qa/.
- Statehood debates for Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.: https://www.britannica.com/place/Puerto-Rico/Statehood-movement.
- Greater Idaho / State of Jefferson regional movements: https://www.usatoday.com/.
If you want, I can next:
- tailor this specifically for Substack, Medium, or Wattpad formatting
- add section headers styled for SEO
- or tighten it into a shorter op-ed version (800–1,000 words)
lets do two versions a Substack version with SEO headers and a shorter version I can submit to the WP an NYT letter to the Editor with email addresses for submission and a standard disclaimar and bio at the end and appropriate endnotes. For that version lets keep it to 750
Absolutely—here are both versions tailored to your request.
✅ VERSION 1: Substack (SEO-Optimized, Longform)
Title:
Reimagining America: Expanding the States, Strengthening Democracy, and Avoiding a Fractured Future
Subtitle:
Why a 75-state America, voting reform, and regional identity matter more than ever
Introduction: A Map That No Longer Fits
The United States is operating with a 20th-century political structure in a 21st-century world. Our population has grown, our regions have diverged, and our democracy is under strain.
If we want to preserve the Union, we need to reform it.
This begins with three bold but practical ideas: expand the number of states, modernize representation, and protect voting rights. At the same time, we must also confront a deeper question: what happens if we fail?
Why America Needs More States (And Better Representation)
The U.S. currently has 50 states—but that number is arbitrary, not sacred. A modern republic of over 330 million people needs more granular representation.
A Proposal: Grow to 75 States
This includes:
- Granting statehood to Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Micronesia
- Dividing large states to better reflect regional realities:
- California into multiple regions (Bay Area, Los Angeles, Central Valley, etc.)
- Texas into several economic hubs (Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, etc.)
- New York into NYC and upstate regions
- Illinois into Chicago and downstate
We should also seriously consider longstanding proposals like the State of Jefferson in the Pacific Northwest.
👉 The goal is not partisan advantage—it is functional governance and fair representation.
Rebalancing Congress for a Modern Nation
The House of Representatives has been capped at 435 members since 1929—despite the population tripling.
Reform Proposal:
- Expand the House to ~750 members
- Add Senate seats as new states are created
This would:
- Reduce the size of House districts
- Improve responsiveness
- Better reflect regional diversity
Voting Rights: Accessibility and Integrity Together
Democracy depends on participation—and trust.
Key Reforms:
- Make Election Day a national holiday
- Expand voting to a two-week early voting window
- Allow voting at any precinct within a state
- Provide free voter ID at registration
- Standardize absentee ballots (no-fault access)
- Expand secure drop boxes nationwide
- End arbitrary voter roll purges
- Allow same-day registration
These reforms combine accessibility with security, strengthening confidence in elections.
A Deeper Reality: America Is Already Many “Nations”
Political analyst Colin Woodard has argued that North America is made up of multiple distinct cultural regions—not just one nation.[1]
These differences explain:
- Regional political divides
- Economic priorities
- Cultural identity conflicts
In many ways, our current political map masks a more complex truth.
If Reform Fails: A Glimpse Into a Fragmented Future
In my speculative work The Great Divorce, I explore what happens if these tensions go unresolved.
The result is a fractured North America—divided into multiple nations aligned with different values and systems of governance.
Emerging Patterns
- Traditionalist regions consolidate into tighter, centralized blocs
- Coastal and urban regions form pluralistic, decentralized federations
- Major cities become political entities in their own right
What follows is not open war, but prolonged geopolitical tension—a “cold conflict” shaped by competing visions of society.
An Alternative: A North American Union
There is another path forward: integration rather than fragmentation.
A North American Union could resemble the European Union:
- Independent states
- Shared markets
- Coordinated defense and foreign policy
- Freedom of movement
Such a system could preserve both identity and stability.
Why This Debate Matters Right Now
Recent debates—on statehood, regional identity, or even territorial expansion—reflect a system under pressure.
The real choice is not whether change will come, but how:
- Reform
- Fragmentation
- Or integration
Conclusion: Reform Before It’s Too Late
Expanding the number of states, updating representation, and protecting voting rights are not radical proposals. They are practical responses to modern challenges.
If we act now, we can strengthen the Union.
If we don’t, we may one day redraw the map entirely.
Endnotes
- Woodard, Colin. American Nations. Penguin Books, 2011.
- U.S. statehood movements overview: Wikipedia – 51st State
- California split proposals: https://time.com/archive/7161152/tim-draper-six-californias-proposal-qa/
- Puerto Rico statehood debates: https://www.britannica.com/place/Puerto-Rico/Statehood-movement
✅ VERSION 2: 750-Word Op-Ed (WP / NYT Letter Style)
Title: Expand the States, Save the Union
The United States is outgrowing its political structure. With a population exceeding 330 million, our system of representation is no longer keeping pace with reality. If we want to preserve American democracy, we need to modernize it.
A good place to start is with the size and structure of the Union itself.
The United States should expand to roughly 75 states. This would begin by granting statehood to Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. territories, whose residents are American citizens yet lack full representation. At the same time, large states like California, Texas, New York, and Illinois should be divided into smaller, more representative units that reflect real regional differences.
This is not a radical idea. Throughout American history, states have been added and reorganized to reflect population growth and political reality. Today’s conditions call for a similar adjustment.
Representation in Congress must also evolve. The House of Representatives has remained capped at 435 members since 1929, even as the population has more than tripled. Expanding the House to approximately 750 members would make districts smaller, improve responsiveness, and strengthen the connection between citizens and their elected officials.
At the same time, we must modernize and protect voting rights. Elections should be easier to participate in and harder to manipulate. Making Election Day a national holiday, expanding early voting, allowing same-day registration, and standardizing absentee ballot procedures would all improve access. Providing free voter identification at registration would further strengthen confidence in the system, ensuring that security and accessibility go hand in hand.
These reforms are not just about improving efficiency. They are about preserving legitimacy.
The United States is often treated as a single political unit, but in reality it is a collection of distinct regions with different histories, cultures, and priorities. Political scientist Colin Woodard has described North America as a set of rival regional “nations,” a framework that helps explain our increasing polarization.[1]
If our governing institutions fail to reflect that diversity, tensions will continue to grow.
We are already seeing signs of strain: proposals to split states, debates over territorial status, and even discussions about redefining borders or alliances. While many of these ideas are unlikely to materialize, they point to a deeper issue: a political system that no longer feels representative to large segments of the population.
There are two possible paths forward. One is reform—adjusting institutions to better reflect the country as it exists today. The other is fragmentation, in which regional differences harden into political separation.
History suggests that the first path is far preferable.
Expanding the number of states, increasing representation, and strengthening voting rights would not solve every problem. But they would help restore confidence in democratic institutions and ensure that all Americans have a meaningful voice in government.
The map of the United States has changed before. It can change again—not as a sign of division, but as a sign of renewal.
If we want a stronger Union, we must be willing to adapt it.
Here is your edited and polished version of the bio and disclaimer, with improved flow, grammar, punctuation, and clarity while preserving your voice:
Author Bio
Jake Cosmos Aller is a retired U.S. Foreign Service Officer and writer focused on democracy, governance reform, and the future of North America. During his career, he served in ten different countries as well as in Washington, D.C., in a wide variety of roles, and along the way learned Korean, Spanish, and Thai. He has visited all 50 U.S. states and 45 foreign countries.
He is married to a retired U.S. Army officer of Korean descent. He holds an M.A. in Korean Studies and an M.P.A. from the University of Washington, as well as a B.A. in Political Science and Humanistic Psychology, with a minor in Social Work.
He currently splits his retirement between South Korea and the United States but is relocating to Alexandria, Virginia. His blog can be found at The World According to Cosmos. He also maintains a presence on Spotify, Medium, and Wattpad, where he publishes under the pen name The World According to Cosmos.
His poems and stories have appeared in over 50 journals and anthologies. He has written seven unpublished novels, along with several unpublished poetry and short story collections.
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and are informed by his life experiences, including growing up in Berkeley during the 1960s and 1970s; Peace Corps service in Korea; undergraduate studies at the University of the Pacific; graduate work at the University of Washington; teaching at Korean universities and the University of Maryland; and extensive travel across all 50 U.S. states and 45 countries.
He used AI editing tools (including Copilot) to refine this piece; however, all ideas, arguments, and conclusions are entirely his own.
Submission Information
- New York Times Letters: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/23/opinion/letters/new-york-times-letters-to-the-editor.html
- Washington Post Letters: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/submit-a-letter-to-the-editor/
- Suggested Email Formats:
- letters@nytimes.com
- letters@washpost.com
Here is your fully edited op-ed package, tightened to ~750 words, aligned more closely with NYT/Washington Post tone, and including a short publication-style bio and disclaimer.
Expand the States, Strengthen the Union
The United States is outgrowing its political structure. With a population of more than 330 million people, our system of representation no longer reflects the scale or diversity of the nation it serves. If we want to strengthen American democracy, we need to modernize it.
A practical place to begin is with the structure of the Union itself.
The United States should expand to roughly 75 states. This would start with granting statehood to Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. territories, whose residents are American citizens yet lack full representation in Congress. At the same time, several of the largest states—California, Texas, New York, and Illinois—could be divided into smaller, more representative units that better reflect real regional differences.
This is not unprecedented. Throughout American history, states have been added and boundaries adjusted to reflect population growth and political realities. Today’s conditions call for a similar response.
Representation in Congress must also evolve. The House of Representatives has been fixed at 435 members since 1929, even as the population has more than tripled. Expanding the House to approximately 750 members would make districts smaller, improve responsiveness, and strengthen the connection between citizens and their elected officials. The Senate, in turn, would grow organically as new states are admitted.
At the same time, voting rights must be both protected and modernized. A democratic system works only if citizens can participate easily and trust the results. Making Election Day a national holiday, expanding early voting, allowing same-day registration, and standardizing absentee ballot procedures would improve access. Providing free, universally available voter identification at registration would enhance confidence in election integrity, ensuring that security and accessibility reinforce rather than undermine one another.
These changes are about more than efficiency. They are about legitimacy.
The United States is often treated as a single, unified political entity. In reality, it is a collection of regions with distinct histories, cultures, and priorities. Political analyst Colin Woodard has described North America as a grouping of rival regional “nations,” a perspective that helps explain today’s political polarization.[1]
When governing institutions fail to reflect those differences, tensions rise.
We are already seeing signs of strain: renewed proposals to divide large states, ongoing debates over territorial status, and increasing regional divergence in policy priorities. While many of these proposals will not be realized, they point to a deeper issue—a system that no longer feels representative to large segments of the population.
There are two paths forward. One is reform: adapting institutions to better reflect the country as it exists today. The other is fragmentation, in which regional differences harden into political separation.
History suggests the first path is far more stable.
Expanding the number of states, increasing representation, and strengthening voting rights would not eliminate polarization. But they would help restore confidence in democratic institutions and ensure that all Americans have a meaningful voice in government.
The map of the United States has changed before. It can change again—not as a sign of division, but as a sign of renewal.
If we want a stronger Union, we must be willing to adapt it.
Author’s Note / Disclosure
This article is based on my decades of experience traveling, living, and working in South Korea since the late 1970s, including service with the Peace Corps, work at the U.S. Embassy, and extended periods of semi‑retirement in Korea, as well as growing up in Berkeley in the 60s, attending college in the 70s, graduate school in the 80s, teaching in Korea in the 80s, and 27 years of service with the State Department. .
I used Microsoft Copilot as a research and organizational tool to help compile place names and reference lists. The narrative, interpretations, and final presentation are my own.
Endnote
- Woodard, Colin. American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America. Penguin Books, 2011.
Submission Information
- New York Times Letters: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/23/opinion/letters/new-york-times-letters-to-the-editor.html
- Washington Post Letters: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/submit-a-letter-to-the-editor/
- Emails:
- letters@nytimes.com
- letters@washpost.com
If you’d like, I can next tighten this even further (~600 words) to maximize acceptance chances at NYT, or tailor it to match their most recent published letter styles line-by-line.
Here is a tighter, ~600-word version refined to closely match NYT/Washington Post letter and short op-ed style—more direct, sharper transitions, and a stronger editorial voice.
Expand the States to Strengthen the Union
The United States is outgrowing its political structure. With a population exceeding 330 million, our system of representation no longer reflects the scale or diversity of the nation it serves. If we want to strengthen American democracy, we need to modernize it.
A logical place to begin is with the structure of the Union itself. The United States should expand to roughly 75 states. This would start by granting statehood to Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. territories, whose residents are American citizens yet lack full representation in Congress. At the same time, several of the largest states—California, Texas, New York, and Illinois—could be divided into smaller, more representative units that reflect real regional differences.
This is not a radical departure from American tradition. Throughout our history, states have been added and boundaries adjusted to reflect population growth and political realities. Today’s conditions call for a similar response.
Congress must also evolve. The House of Representatives has been capped at 435 members since 1929, even as the population has more than tripled. Expanding the House to roughly 700–750 members would make districts smaller and more responsive, strengthening the connection between citizens and their elected officials. As new states are admitted, the Senate would expand accordingly.
At the same time, voting rights must be modernized and protected. A democratic system requires both access and trust. Making Election Day a national holiday, expanding early voting, allowing same-day registration, and standardizing absentee ballot procedures would improve participation. Providing free, universally available voter identification at registration would strengthen confidence in election integrity. These measures are complementary, not contradictory.
These reforms are about more than efficiency. They are about restoring legitimacy.
The United States is often treated as a single, unified political entity. In reality, it is a collection of regions with distinct histories, cultures, and priorities. Political analyst Colin Woodard has described North America as a set of rival regional “nations,” a framework that helps explain our current political divides.[1] When governing institutions fail to reflect those differences, tensions increase.
We are already seeing signs of strain: proposals to divide large states, debates over territorial status, and widening regional policy gaps. While many of these proposals remain aspirational, they reflect a deeper concern—a system that no longer feels representative to many Americans.
We face a choice. We can reform our institutions to better reflect the country as it exists today, or we can allow divisions to harden over time. History suggests that reform—however difficult—is the more stable course.
Expanding the number of states, increasing representation, and strengthening voting rights will not eliminate polarization. But they would move us toward a system that is more responsive, more inclusive, and more legitimate.
The map of the United States has changed before. It can change again—not as a sign of division, but as a sign of renewal.
If we want a stronger Union, we must be willing to adapt it.
Endnote
- Woodard, Colin. American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America. Penguin Books, 2011.
Author’s Note / Disclosure
This article is based on his decades of experience traveling, living, and working in South Korea since the late 1970s, including service with the Peace Corps, work at the U.S. Embassy, and extended periods of semi retirement in Korea, Southern Oregon, and DC as well as growing up in Berkeley in the 60s, attending college in the 70s, graduate school in the 80s, teaching in Korea in the 80s, and 27 years of service with the State Department working in ten different countries and DC , travel to all 50 states and 45 foreign countries., living in more than 15 different cities in the US, Asia and Europe, and leering Korean, Spanish, Thai and some Hindi. .Since retirement he has been blogging,,writing and traveling. His work has appeared in more than 50 literary journals, and he has a Blog Lovin, Substack, Medium, Wattpad, writing com and fan story blog and a Spotify podcast as well, all under the world according to Cosmos branding.. He has written seven unpublished novels, and several unpublished poetry books and short story collections. The blog url is the World According to Cosmos
Disclaimer (Publication Style), Use of AI tools
The views expressed are solely those of the author.
I used Microsoft Copilot as a research and organizational tool to help compile place names and reference lists, and basic editing for flow, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.. The narrative, interpretations, and final presentation are my own.
Submission Links
- https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/23/opinion/letters/new-york-times-letters-to-the-editor.html
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/submit-a-letter-to-the-editor/
Email:
- letters@nytimes.com
- letters@washpost.com
75 to 80 New States for United States
75 to 80 New States for United States
✅Reimagining America: Expanding the States, Strengthening Democracy, and Preventing a Fractured Future
Subtitle
Why a 75-state America and modernized institutions may be key to preserving the Union
Introduction: When the Map No Longer Fits Reality
The United States continues to operate with a 20th-century political framework in a 21st-century world. Our population has grown dramatically. Our regions have diverged culturally, economically, and politically. Yet our governing institutions remain largely unchanged.
If we want to preserve the Union, we must be willing to reform it.
This begins with three interconnected ideas: expanding the number of states, modernizing representation, and protecting voting rights. At the same time, we must confront a deeper question—what happens if these pressures continue to build without meaningful reform?
Expanding the Union: Why America Needs More States
The United States currently consists of 50 states, but this number is neither fixed nor sacred. A nation of more than 330 million people requires more granular and responsive representation.
A Proposal: Grow to ~75 to 85 States
This expansion could include:
- Statehood for Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Micronesia, and depending on geo-political trends parts of Mexico, Canada, Greenland, perhaps Cuba, Nicaragua, Panama, and Venezuela.
- Division of large states to reflect regional realities:
- California (e.g., Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego perhaps with TJ as part of it and Baja California) Sacramento-Tahoe, Central Valley, NE California, Dessert California)
- Texas (Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, Austn, El Paseo and perhaps Mexican border towns)
- Desert consisting of Mormon dominated states of Greater Idaho, Utah, and parts of Nevada and Arizona)
- New York (NYC and upstate regions)
- Illinois (Chicago land and downstate)
- Oklahoma split between Western Oklahoma and Eastern Indian nation with smaller tribes affiliated with major tribes)
- Navaho and Hopi Nation
- Iroquois Nation
- Sioux Nation
- Native Alaskan nation
- Consideration of longstanding proposals such as the State of Jefferson NE California, Southern and Eastern ORegon, Eastern Washington)
- Caribbean Nations
- French North America Quebec, Montreal, Louisiana, NE Maine, Haiti, St Luis, Dominica, Martinque and Guadeloupe with the Capitol in Quebec
The goal is not partisan advantage—it is more effective governance and fairer representation.
Rebalancing Congress for a Modern Population
The House of Representatives has been capped at 435 members since 1929, despite the population more than tripling.
Reform Proposal
- Expand the House to approximately 750 members
- Increase Senate seats as new states are admitted
- adding new representatives and Senators every ten years rather than redistricting them as we do now
This would:
- Reduce the size of House districts
- Improve constituent representation
- Better reflect regional diversity
Modernizing Voting Rights: Accessibility and Trust
A durable democracy depends on both access and legitimacy.
Key Reforms
- Make Election Day a national holiday with polls open 24 hours from midnight to midnight
- Expand early voting to a multi-week process
- end restrictions of providing food, water, drinks and toilet facilities to voters standing in long lines
- Allow same-day voter registration
- Provide free, universal biometric photo voter ID at registration like many countries already do.
- Standardize absentee ballot systems
- Expand secure ballot drop-off options
- allowing people to vote at any open polling precinct
- End arbitrary voter roll purges
- ensuring that all ballots received up to a week after the election are counted
- Protect certified election outcomes from legislative override
- Ending partisan gerrymandering through setting up bipartisan redistricting commissions who will use AI tools to draw fairer maps, and redistricn add new representatives every ten years but not in-between censuses.
- look at possible virtual voting options if feasible.
These reforms are designed to increase participation while strengthening confidence in election integrity.
A Deeper Reality: America as a Collection of Regions
Political scientist Colin Woodard argues that North America reflects a mosaic of regional “nations,” each shaped by distinct histories and values.[1]
This framework helps explain:
- Persistent political polarization
- Regional policy differences
- Cultural and economic divides
In many ways, the current political map obscures a more complex reality on the ground.
If Reform Fails: A Fragmented Future
In my unpublished novel The Great Divorce, I explore what could happen if structural pressures go unresolved.
The scenario: North America evolves into multiple political entities aligned with distinct cultural and ideological identities.
Emerging Patterns
- Traditionalist regions consolidate into more centralized federations
- Urban and coastal regions form pluralistic networks
- Major metropolitan areas evolve into quasi-independent political units
The result is not necessarily open conflict, but prolonged geopolitical tension shaped by competing visions of governance.
An Alternative Path: A North American Union or a Real Western Hemisphere Union
There is another possibility—greater integration rather than fragmentation.
A North American Union could resemble the European Union:
- Sovereign states maintaining political independence
- A common market and coordinated economic policy
- Shared frameworks for security and foreign policy
Such a system would allow regions to maintain distinct identities while preserving stability and cooperation.
Why This Matters Now
Recent debates—about statehood, regional identity, and political realignment—signal a system under strain.
The choice is not whether change will occur, but how:
- Reform
- Fragmentation
- Integration
Conclusion: Reform as Renewal
Expanding the number of states, modernizing representation, and strengthening voting rights are not radical proposals. They are pragmatic responses to structural challenges.
The United States has adapted its map before. It can do so again—not as a sign of division, but of renewal.
If we want to preserve the Union, we must be willing to evolve it.
Endnotes
- Woodard, Colin. American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America. Penguin Books, 2011.
- Overview of U.S. statehood movements (general reference)
- “Six Californias” proposal background
- Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. statehood discussions
- State of Jefferson and regional realignment movements
✅ VERSION 2: 750‑WORD OP‑ED (WP / NYT / FOREIGN POLICY READY)
Title
Expand the States to Strengthen the Union
The United States is outgrowing its political structure. With more than 330 million people, our system of representation no longer reflects the size or diversity of the nation it serves. If we want to strengthen American democracy, we must modernize it.
A practical place to begin is with the structure of the Union itself.
The United States should expand to roughly 75 states. This would start with granting statehood to Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. territories, whose residents are American citizens yet lack full representation in Congress. It should also include dividing some of the largest states—such as California, Texas, New York, and Illinois—into smaller, more representative units that better reflect regional realities.
This is not a break with American tradition. Throughout U.S. history, states have been added and borders adjusted to reflect population growth and shifting political needs. Today’s conditions call for a similar response.
Congress must also evolve. The House of Representatives has remained fixed at 435 members since 1929, even as the population has more than tripled. Expanding the House to approximately 750 members would reduce the size of districts, improve responsiveness, and strengthen the connection between citizens and elected officials. The Senate would expand accordingly as new states are admitted.
Voting rights must also be modernized and protected. A democratic system works only if citizens can participate easily and trust the outcome. Making Election Day a national holiday, expanding early voting, allowing same-day registration, and standardizing absentee ballot procedures would improve access. Providing free voter identification at registration would strengthen confidence in election integrity.
These reforms are not simply administrative. They are essential to maintaining legitimacy.
The United States is often treated as a single political entity, but in reality it is a collection of regions with distinct histories, cultures, and priorities. Political scientist Colin Woodard has described North America as a grouping of rival regional “nations,” a framework that helps explain current polarization.[1]
When institutions fail to reflect that diversity, tensions grow.
We are already seeing signs of strain: proposals to split large states, ongoing debates over territorial status, and widening regional differences in policy. While many of these ideas remain speculative, they point to a deeper problem—a political system that no longer feels representative to many Americans.
We face a choice. We can reform our institutions to better reflect the country as it exists today, or we can allow divisions to deepen over time. History suggests that reform is the more stable path.
Expanding the number of states, improving representation, and strengthening voting rights will not eliminate polarization. But they can restore confidence in democratic institutions and ensure that all Americans have a meaningful voice in government.
The map of the United States has changed before. It can change again—not as a sign of decline, but as a sign of renewal.
If we want a stronger Union, we must be willing to adapt it.
Author Bio (Short Form)
Jake Cosmos Aller is a retired U.S. Foreign Service Officer and writer focused on democracy, governance reform, and the future of North America. he blogs at https://theworldaccordingtocosmos,com and has a bloglovin, FB, Fan Story, Substack, Medium, Wattpad and Spotify podcast under the the world according to cosmos brand.
Disclaimer / Disclosure
The views expressed are solely those of the author.
This article reflects the author’s professional and personal experience, including decades of public service and international engagement.
AI-assisted editing tools (including Microsoft Copilot) were used for structural refinement, grammar, and clarity. All ideas and conclusions are the author’s own.
Endnote
- Woodard, Colin. American Nations. Penguin Books, 2011.
Submission Links
Email:
- letters@nytimes.com
- letters@washpost.com
✅ If you want next refinement:
- I can tailor tone specifically to Foreign Policy (more geopolitical/analytical)
- Or create a ~500-word NYT “letter-perfect” version, which significantly increases acceptance odds
Just tell me 👍
Here’s my final blog piece. Please re-edit for flow, grammar, punctuation and spelling and remove any duplicative language. Break it down into two pieces, long-form blog piece formatted for Substack with SEO headers, and a shorter 750 word op ed for the WP and NYT and perhaps Foreign Policy.
____________________________ Reimagining America: More States, Broader Democracy, and a Fragmented Future
What if the map of the United States—and even North America—no longer reflected reality? What if our political structure evolved to match our population, our diversity, and our deeply rooted regional identities?
This post brings together two ideas: a practical proposal to expand representation in the United States, and a speculative vision of what could happen if those pressures go unresolved.
I. Expanding the United States: A 21st-Century Reform Agenda
The United States is overdue for structural reform. Our population has grown dramatically, yet our governing institutions remain largely frozen in a 20th-century framework. To address this, I propose three major reforms:
1. Expand the Union
The United States should grow to roughly 75 states, reflecting both population size and regional diversity.
This would include:
- Granting statehood to Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Micronesia.
- Dividing large states into more manageable and representative entities, such as:
- California into multiple states (e.g., Bay Area, Los Angeles, Central Valley, etc.)
- Texas into several regions (e.g., Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, El Paso, San Antonio)
- New York into a New York City state and an upstate regionnew naitons
- Illinois into Chicago and downstate Illinois
- Creating new regional states such as the long-discussed State of Jefferson in parts of Northern California and the Pacific Northwest.
The goal is not partisan advantage, but better governance and fairer representation.
2. Expand Congress
- Increase the House of Representatives to approximately 750 members to reflect population growth.
- Expand the Senate proportionally as new states are admitted.
This would bring representation closer to the people and reduce the distortions created by underrepresentation.
3. Protect and Modernize Voting Rights
A stronger democracy requires accessible, secure elections. Key reforms include:
- Making Election Day a national holiday
- Expanding voting into a multi-week process, including early voting
- Providing universal voter ID, issued free at registration
- Allowing same-day registration and flexible voting locations
- Standardizing absentee ballots and expanding secure drop-off access
- Ending arbitrary purges of voter rolls
- Protecting election outcomes from legislative override
Together, these reforms would strengthen both access and trust in the electoral process.
II. Why Reform Matters: A Continent of Many “Nations”
Political scientist Colin Woodard has argued that North America is not one unified culture, but a patchwork of distinct regional “nations,” each with its own values, traditions, and political tendencies.[1]
These divisions—between coastal and interior regions, urban and rural areas, and differing cultural histories—are not new. But in recent years, they have become more pronounced.
Proposals to:
- Split major states,
- Reorganize regions,
- Or even reconsider national borders,
…reflect a growing sense that our political system is out of sync with lived reality.
III. A Speculative Future: “The Great Divorce”
In my unpublished novel The Great Divorce, I explore a more extreme possibility: what happens if these tensions are not resolved.
In this scenario, North America evolves—peacefully or otherwise—into a network of 15 or more new nations, each aligned with distinct political and cultural identities.
Two Broad Blocs Emerge
- Traditionalist federations emphasizing order, hierarchy, and religious or cultural uniformity
- Pluralistic federations emphasizing diversity, decentralization, and individual freedoms
Between them lies a prolonged geopolitical competition—a kind of cold conflict shaped by ideology rather than geography.
Examples of Emerging Nations
- A California-led federation with a strong emphasis on innovation, multiculturalism, and decentralized governance
- A New York–based federation anchored in finance, media, and global connections
- A Great Lakes region combining industrial and multicultural traditions
- A Texas-centered bloc balancing regional identity with economic power
- A Christian States federation rooted in traditionalist values
- Independent or semi-autonomous regions including:
- A Pacific federation
- A Caribbean and Central American bloc
- A network of Indigenous nations
- A revitalized Quebec-centered polity
Major metropolitan areas—New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and others—evolve into city-states or hybrid political units, reflecting their global economic roles.
IV. A Different Path: A North American Union
Rather than fragmentation, there is another possibility: integration.
A reimagined North America could evolve into a European Union–style system, with:
- Independent nations,
- A common market,
- Shared currency frameworks,
- Coordinated foreign policy and defense structures.
Such a system would allow regions to maintain identity while preserving economic and political cooperation.
V. Why This Matters Now
Recent political discourse—ranging from territorial debates to proposals to split states or realign borders—highlights a fundamental truth:
The structures of governance we inherited may no longer fit the realities of the present.
Whether through reform, fragmentation, or integration, change is coming.
The real question is whether we shape it deliberately—or react to it after the fact.
Conclusion
Expanding the number of states, strengthening democratic institutions, and acknowledging regional diversity are not radical ideas—they are pragmatic responses to modern realities.
At the same time, imagining more dramatic futures helps clarify what is at stake.
The map of North America has changed before. It may well change again.
Endnotes
- Woodard, Colin. American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America. Penguin Books, 2011.
- “51st State” and territorial statehood discussions: see Wikipedia overview of U.S. statehood movements.
- “Six Californias” proposal and similar state-division ideas: https://time.com/archive/7161152/tim-draper-six-californias-proposal-qa/.
- Statehood debates for Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.: https://www.britannica.com/place/Puerto-Rico/Statehood-movement.
- Greater Idaho / State of Jefferson regional movements: https://www.usatoday.com/.
If you want, I can next:
- tailor this specifically for Substack, Medium, or Wattpad formatting
- add section headers styled for SEO
- or tighten it into a shorter op-ed version (800–1,000 words)
lets do two versions a Substack version with SEO headers and a shorter version I can submit to the WP an NYT letter to the Editor with email addresses for submission and a standard disclaimar and bio at the end and appropriate endnotes. For that version lets keep it to 750
Absolutely—here are both versions tailored to your request.
✅ VERSION 1: Substack (SEO-Optimized, Longform)
Title:
Reimagining America: Expanding the States, Strengthening Democracy, and Avoiding a Fractured Future
Subtitle:
Why a 75-state America, voting reform, and regional identity matter more than ever
Introduction: A Map That No Longer Fits
The United States is operating with a 20th-century political structure in a 21st-century world. Our population has grown, our regions have diverged, and our democracy is under strain.
If we want to preserve the Union, we need to reform it.
This begins with three bold but practical ideas: expand the number of states, modernize representation, and protect voting rights. At the same time, we must also confront a deeper question: what happens if we fail?
Why America Needs More States (And Better Representation)
The U.S. currently has 50 states—but that number is arbitrary, not sacred. A modern republic of over 330 million people needs more granular representation.
A Proposal: Grow to 75 States
This includes:
- Granting statehood to Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Micronesia
- Dividing large states to better reflect regional realities:
- California into multiple regions (Bay Area, Los Angeles, Central Valley, etc.)
- Texas into several economic hubs (Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, etc.)
- New York into NYC and upstate regions
- Illinois into Chicago and downstate
We should also seriously consider longstanding proposals like the State of Jefferson in the Pacific Northwest.
👉 The goal is not partisan advantage—it is functional governance and fair representation.
Rebalancing Congress for a Modern Nation
The House of Representatives has been capped at 435 members since 1929—despite the population tripling.
Reform Proposal:
- Expand the House to ~750 members
- Add Senate seats as new states are created
This would:
- Reduce the size of House districts
- Improve responsiveness
- Better reflect regional diversity
Voting Rights: Accessibility and Integrity Together
Democracy depends on participation—and trust.
Key Reforms:
- Make Election Day a national holiday
- Expand voting to a two-week early voting window
- Allow voting at any precinct within a state
- Provide free voter ID at registration
- Standardize absentee ballots (no-fault access)
- Expand secure drop boxes nationwide
- End arbitrary voter roll purges
- Allow same-day registration
These reforms combine accessibility with security, strengthening confidence in elections.
A Deeper Reality: America Is Already Many “Nations”
Political analyst Colin Woodard has argued that North America is made up of multiple distinct cultural regions—not just one nation.[1]
These differences explain:
- Regional political divides
- Economic priorities
- Cultural identity conflicts
In many ways, our current political map masks a more complex truth.
If Reform Fails: A Glimpse Into a Fragmented Future
In my speculative work The Great Divorce, I explore what happens if these tensions go unresolved.
The result is a fractured North America—divided into multiple nations aligned with different values and systems of governance.
Emerging Patterns
- Traditionalist regions consolidate into tighter, centralized blocs
- Coastal and urban regions form pluralistic, decentralized federations
- Major cities become political entities in their own right
What follows is not open war, but prolonged geopolitical tension—a “cold conflict” shaped by competing visions of society.
An Alternative: A North American Union
There is another path forward: integration rather than fragmentation.
A North American Union could resemble the European Union:
- Independent states
- Shared markets
- Coordinated defense and foreign policy
- Freedom of movement
Such a system could preserve both identity and stability.
Why This Debate Matters Right Now
Recent debates—on statehood, regional identity, or even territorial expansion—reflect a system under pressure.
The real choice is not whether change will come, but how:
- Reform
- Fragmentation
- Or integration
Conclusion: Reform Before It’s Too Late
Expanding the number of states, updating representation, and protecting voting rights are not radical proposals. They are practical responses to modern challenges.
If we act now, we can strengthen the Union.
If we don’t, we may one day redraw the map entirely.
Endnotes
- Woodard, Colin. American Nations. Penguin Books, 2011.
- U.S. statehood movements overview: Wikipedia – 51st State
- California split proposals: https://time.com/archive/7161152/tim-draper-six-californias-proposal-qa/
- Puerto Rico statehood debates: https://www.britannica.com/place/Puerto-Rico/Statehood-movement
✅ VERSION 2: 750-Word Op-Ed (WP / NYT Letter Style)
Title: Expand the States, Save the Union
The United States is outgrowing its political structure. With a population exceeding 330 million, our system of representation is no longer keeping pace with reality. If we want to preserve American democracy, we need to modernize it.
A good place to start is with the size and structure of the Union itself.
The United States should expand to roughly 75 states. This would begin by granting statehood to Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. territories, whose residents are American citizens yet lack full representation. At the same time, large states like California, Texas, New York, and Illinois should be divided into smaller, more representative units that reflect real regional differences.
This is not a radical idea. Throughout American history, states have been added and reorganized to reflect population growth and political reality. Today’s conditions call for a similar adjustment.
Representation in Congress must also evolve. The House of Representatives has remained capped at 435 members since 1929, even as the population has more than tripled. Expanding the House to approximately 750 members would make districts smaller, improve responsiveness, and strengthen the connection between citizens and their elected officials.
At the same time, we must modernize and protect voting rights. Elections should be easier to participate in and harder to manipulate. Making Election Day a national holiday, expanding early voting, allowing same-day registration, and standardizing absentee ballot procedures would all improve access. Providing free voter identification at registration would further strengthen confidence in the system, ensuring that security and accessibility go hand in hand.
These reforms are not just about improving efficiency. They are about preserving legitimacy.
The United States is often treated as a single political unit, but in reality it is a collection of distinct regions with different histories, cultures, and priorities. Political scientist Colin Woodard has described North America as a set of rival regional “nations,” a framework that helps explain our increasing polarization.[1]
If our governing institutions fail to reflect that diversity, tensions will continue to grow.
We are already seeing signs of strain: proposals to split states, debates over territorial status, and even discussions about redefining borders or alliances. While many of these ideas are unlikely to materialize, they point to a deeper issue: a political system that no longer feels representative to large segments of the population.
There are two possible paths forward. One is reform—adjusting institutions to better reflect the country as it exists today. The other is fragmentation, in which regional differences harden into political separation.
History suggests that the first path is far preferable.
Expanding the number of states, increasing representation, and strengthening voting rights would not solve every problem. But they would help restore confidence in democratic institutions and ensure that all Americans have a meaningful voice in government.
The map of the United States has changed before. It can change again—not as a sign of division, but as a sign of renewal.
If we want a stronger Union, we must be willing to adapt it.
Here is your edited and polished version of the bio and disclaimer, with improved flow, grammar, punctuation, and clarity while preserving your voice:
Author Bio
Jake Cosmos Aller is a retired U.S. Foreign Service Officer and writer focused on democracy, governance reform, and the future of North America. During his career, he served in ten different countries as well as in Washington, D.C., in a wide variety of roles, and along the way learned Korean, Spanish, and Thai. He has visited all 50 U.S. states and 45 foreign countries.
He is married to a retired U.S. Army officer of Korean descent. He holds an M.A. in Korean Studies and an M.P.A. from the University of Washington, as well as a B.A. in Political Science and Humanistic Psychology, with a minor in Social Work.
He currently splits his retirement between South Korea and the United States but is relocating to Alexandria, Virginia. His blog can be found at The World According to Cosmos. He also maintains a presence on Spotify, Medium, and Wattpad, where he publishes under the pen name The World According to Cosmos.
His poems and stories have appeared in over 50 journals and anthologies. He has written seven unpublished novels, along with several unpublished poetry and short story collections.
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and are informed by his life experiences, including growing up in Berkeley during the 1960s and 1970s; Peace Corps service in Korea; undergraduate studies at the University of the Pacific; graduate work at the University of Washington; teaching at Korean universities and the University of Maryland; and extensive travel across all 50 U.S. states and 45 countries.
He used AI editing tools (including Copilot) to refine this piece; however, all ideas, arguments, and conclusions are entirely his own.
Submission Information
- New York Times Letters: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/23/opinion/letters/new-york-times-letters-to-the-editor.html
- Washington Post Letters: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/submit-a-letter-to-the-editor/
- Suggested Email Formats:
- letters@nytimes.com
- letters@washpost.com
Here is your fully edited op-ed package, tightened to ~750 words, aligned more closely with NYT/Washington Post tone, and including a short publication-style bio and disclaimer.
Expand the States, Strengthen the Union
The United States is outgrowing its political structure. With a population of more than 330 million people, our system of representation no longer reflects the scale or diversity of the nation it serves. If we want to strengthen American democracy, we need to modernize it.
A practical place to begin is with the structure of the Union itself.
The United States should expand to roughly 75 states. This would start with granting statehood to Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. territories, whose residents are American citizens yet lack full representation in Congress. At the same time, several of the largest states—California, Texas, New York, and Illinois—could be divided into smaller, more representative units that better reflect real regional differences.
This is not unprecedented. Throughout American history, states have been added and boundaries adjusted to reflect population growth and political realities. Today’s conditions call for a similar response.
Representation in Congress must also evolve. The House of Representatives has been fixed at 435 members since 1929, even as the population has more than tripled. Expanding the House to approximately 750 members would make districts smaller, improve responsiveness, and strengthen the connection between citizens and their elected officials. The Senate, in turn, would grow organically as new states are admitted.
At the same time, voting rights must be both protected and modernized. A democratic system works only if citizens can participate easily and trust the results. Making Election Day a national holiday, expanding early voting, allowing same-day registration, and standardizing absentee ballot procedures would improve access. Providing free, universally available voter identification at registration would enhance confidence in election integrity, ensuring that security and accessibility reinforce rather than undermine one another.
These changes are about more than efficiency. They are about legitimacy.
The United States is often treated as a single, unified political entity. In reality, it is a collection of regions with distinct histories, cultures, and priorities. Political analyst Colin Woodard has described North America as a grouping of rival regional “nations,” a perspective that helps explain today’s political polarization.[1]
When governing institutions fail to reflect those differences, tensions rise.
We are already seeing signs of strain: renewed proposals to divide large states, ongoing debates over territorial status, and increasing regional divergence in policy priorities. While many of these proposals will not be realized, they point to a deeper issue—a system that no longer feels representative to large segments of the population.
There are two paths forward. One is reform: adapting institutions to better reflect the country as it exists today. The other is fragmentation, in which regional differences harden into political separation.
History suggests the first path is far more stable.
Expanding the number of states, increasing representation, and strengthening voting rights would not eliminate polarization. But they would help restore confidence in democratic institutions and ensure that all Americans have a meaningful voice in government.
The map of the United States has changed before. It can change again—not as a sign of division, but as a sign of renewal.
If we want a stronger Union, we must be willing to adapt it.
Author’s Note / Disclosure
This article is based on my decades of experience traveling, living, and working in South Korea since the late 1970s, including service with the Peace Corps, work at the U.S. Embassy, and extended periods of semi‑retirement in Korea, as well as growing up in Berkeley in the 60s, attending college in the 70s, graduate school in the 80s, teaching in Korea in the 80s, and 27 years of service with the State Department. .
I used Microsoft Copilot as a research and organizational tool to help compile place names and reference lists. The narrative, interpretations, and final presentation are my own.
Endnote
- Woodard, Colin. American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America. Penguin Books, 2011.
Submission Information
- New York Times Letters: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/23/opinion/letters/new-york-times-letters-to-the-editor.html
- Washington Post Letters: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/submit-a-letter-to-the-editor/
- Emails:
- letters@nytimes.com
- letters@washpost.com
If you’d like, I can next tighten this even further (~600 words) to maximize acceptance chances at NYT, or tailor it to match their most recent published letter styles line-by-line.
Here is a tighter, ~600-word version refined to closely match NYT/Washington Post letter and short op-ed style—more direct, sharper transitions, and a stronger editorial voice.
Expand the States to Strengthen the Union
The United States is outgrowing its political structure. With a population exceeding 330 million, our system of representation no longer reflects the scale or diversity of the nation it serves. If we want to strengthen American democracy, we need to modernize it.
A logical place to begin is with the structure of the Union itself. The United States should expand to roughly 75 states. This would start by granting statehood to Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. territories, whose residents are American citizens yet lack full representation in Congress. At the same time, several of the largest states—California, Texas, New York, and Illinois—could be divided into smaller, more representative units that reflect real regional differences.
This is not a radical departure from American tradition. Throughout our history, states have been added and boundaries adjusted to reflect population growth and political realities. Today’s conditions call for a similar response.
Congress must also evolve. The House of Representatives has been capped at 435 members since 1929, even as the population has more than tripled. Expanding the House to roughly 700–750 members would make districts smaller and more responsive, strengthening the connection between citizens and their elected officials. As new states are admitted, the Senate would expand accordingly.
At the same time, voting rights must be modernized and protected. A democratic system requires both access and trust. Making Election Day a national holiday, expanding early voting, allowing same-day registration, and standardizing absentee ballot procedures would improve participation. Providing free, universally available voter identification at registration would strengthen confidence in election integrity. These measures are complementary, not contradictory.
These reforms are about more than efficiency. They are about restoring legitimacy.
The United States is often treated as a single, unified political entity. In reality, it is a collection of regions with distinct histories, cultures, and priorities. Political analyst Colin Woodard has described North America as a set of rival regional “nations,” a framework that helps explain our current political divides.[1] When governing institutions fail to reflect those differences, tensions increase.
We are already seeing signs of strain: proposals to divide large states, debates over territorial status, and widening regional policy gaps. While many of these proposals remain aspirational, they reflect a deeper concern—a system that no longer feels representative to many Americans.
We face a choice. We can reform our institutions to better reflect the country as it exists today, or we can allow divisions to harden over time. History suggests that reform—however difficult—is the more stable course.
Expanding the number of states, increasing representation, and strengthening voting rights will not eliminate polarization. But they would move us toward a system that is more responsive, more inclusive, and more legitimate.
The map of the United States has changed before. It can change again—not as a sign of division, but as a sign of renewal.
If we want a stronger Union, we must be willing to adapt it.
Endnote
- Woodard, Colin. American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America. Penguin Books, 2011.
Author’s Note / Disclosure
This article is based on his decades of experience traveling, living, and working in South Korea since the late 1970s, including service with the Peace Corps, work at the U.S. Embassy, and extended periods of semi retirement in Korea, Southern Oregon, and DC as well as growing up in Berkeley in the 60s, attending college in the 70s, graduate school in the 80s, teaching in Korea in the 80s, and 27 years of service with the State Department working in ten different countries and DC , travel to all 50 states and 45 foreign countries., living in more than 15 different cities in the US, Asia and Europe, and leering Korean, Spanish, Thai and some Hindi. .Since retirement he has been blogging,,writing and traveling. His work has appeared in more than 50 literary journals, and he has a Blog Lovin, Substack, Medium, Wattpad, writing com and fan story blog and a Spotify podcast as well, all under the world according to Cosmos branding.. He has written seven unpublished novels, and several unpublished poetry books and short story collections. The blog url is the World According to Cosmos
Disclaimer (Publication Style), Use of AI tools
The views expressed are solely those of the author.
I used Microsoft Copilot as a research and organizational tool to help compile place names and reference lists, and basic editing for flow, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.. The narrative, interpretations, and final presentation are my own.
Submission Links
- https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/23/opinion/letters/new-york-times-letters-to-the-editor.html
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/submit-a-letter-to-the-editor/
Email:
- letters@nytimes.com
- letters@washpost.com
Watch now
author at a Korean temple 1980?
·Penn Quarter·13h