An enabling act is a piece of legislation by which a legislature grants an entity which depends in on it for authorization or legitimacy to take a certain action(s).

In reference to the admission of new states into the Union, an enabling act is legislation passed by United States Congress authorizing the people of a territory to frame a constitution. The act also lays down the requirements that must be met as a prerequisite to statehood. These Acts have usually been titled "An Enabling Act for a State of (Name)".

See also

• Alaska Statehood Act
• Admission Act of Hawai'i

United States federal territory and statehood legislation