What steps did Californians take to apply for statehood When was California admitted?

1. Constitutional Convention: In September 1849, a constitutional convention was held in Monterey, California, where delegates drafted the state's first constitution. The constitution outlined the structure and powers of the state government, including the establishment of three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.

2. Popular Vote: The proposed constitution was put to a popular vote on November 13, 1849, and was overwhelmingly approved by California's citizens.

3. State Legislature: Following the ratification of the constitution, elections were held to form the state's first legislature. The California State Legislature convened for the first time on December 15, 1849, in San Jose, which was the temporary capital.

4. Application to Congress: On December 20, 1849, California's legislature passed resolutions requesting admission into the Union as a state. These resolutions, along with the proposed constitution, were sent to the United States Congress.

5. Congressional Debate: The issue of California's statehood became a contentious topic in Congress, primarily due to the ongoing debate over the expansion of slavery. The Compromise of 1850, a series of measures aimed at resolving various sectional disputes, included California's admission as a free state.

Admission to the Union:

California was officially admitted to the Union as the 31st state on September 9, 1850, with the signing of the Admission Act by President Millard Fillmore. This marked the culmination of the efforts and aspirations of the people of California to join the United States as a sovereign state.