“Why the U.S. Has So Many States—and Why Half of Them Make No Sense”

Let’s start with the obvious: 50 states. Because apparently, 13 original ones weren’t enough, and America decided to collect land like it was hoarding Pokémon.

Some states make sense—New York, California, Texas—places with influence, population, and identity. Then there’s Delaware, which sounds like a discontinued fruit. Or Wyoming, which has more cows than people and yet two senators. Yes, the same amount as California. Because math and fairness are optional in American federalism.

The Midwest? It’s not mid or west. The South? Think BBQ, Bible verses, and bad Wi-Fi. The West? Fires and overpriced smoothies.

State borders were drawn with the precision of a toddler high on sugar. Blame colonial politics, railroad lobbying, and a nation obsessed with imaginary lines.