Northwest Ordinance 1787
Northwest Ordinance 1787
the northwest ordinance
A territory could not apply for statehood if it did not meet certain criteria established by Congress, such as having a sufficient population, a stable government, and the ability to uphold obligations and responsibilities of statehood. Additionally, the conditions of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 specified that territories needed to demonstrate readiness by establishing a constitution and governance structure. Furthermore, Congress retained the authority to determine whether a territory could qualify for statehood based on political, economic, and social factors.
The major source of conflict over granting statehood was the slavery question-- would slavery be allowed in the new state?
Territories who desire to become states must apply to the federal government for statehood. After the formal application is made, the Congress votes on it. However, a part of one state cannot apply to become a separate state without the approval of host state legislature.
Vermont
Indiana applied for statehood in 1815 when they had over 60,000 people in their population
Originally the first 13 colonies were land grants from the king or queen of England. New states were added when the territories had enough population to apply for statehood and the Senate and President agreed.
March 1, 1803
1857. Stephen A. Douglas shaped the borders and presented the statehood plan to the Congress, and in 1858, MN bcame a state.
60,000 people is needed to apply for statehood. black men or women does not count only white men
Historically, the three steps that a territory needs to take to become a state are as follows: 1. The territory holds a vote to determine whether the people of the territory are for or against statehood. If a majority of the people vote in favor of statehood, then the territory petitions the U.S. Congress. 2. The territory, if it has not already done so, must adopt a form of government and constitution that is in line with the U.S. Constitution. 3. The U.S. Congress--both House and Senate--pass, by simple majority vote--a joint resolution that accepts the territory as a state. The President then signs the resolution, and the territory is officially recognized as a state.