Sometimes an entire territory becomes a state, while other times, only part of a territory becomes one. Regardless, a territory’s governing body initiates a referendum to determine what percentage of the population is in favor of statehood. Congress then prompts that government to hold a constitutional convention with the objective of writing a state constitution. The constitution must be accepted by the people of the territory and then again by Congress. After this, Congress adopts a joint resolution for granting statehood by a majority vote. Finally, the President of the United States signs the resolution and issues a proclamation announcing that that a new state has become a part of the union.