What are Charter States?

Charter States refer to those states that adopted the national constitution of DECA in 1948, which means they were among the first to organize and formalize DECA as an association. Being recognized as a Charter State signifies their foundational role in establishing DECA's structure and mission, forming the basis for the organization as it is known today. The significance lies in their early commitment to DECA's educational initiatives and competitive programming, which helped to shape the association's development and expansion across the United States. This historical aspect emphasizes their contribution to DECA's legacy and ongoing activities. Other options, while relevant in various contexts, do not accurately define what Charter States specifically are, as they focus on different criteria or roles within DECA.