How did the territory of California set up their provisional government?

In 1846, as part of the Mexican-American War, the United States sent a military force under the command of Major General Stephen W. Kearny to occupy California. The force reached Monterey, the capital of Alta California, in July 1846. Kearny took control of the city and declared the establishment of a provisional government, with himself as military governor.

The provisional government was a temporary form of government that was established to maintain law and order and to oversee the transition of California from Mexican to American rule. It was based on the model of the provisional government that had been established in Oregon Country earlier that year.

The provisional government was composed of a governor, a secretary of state, and a treasurer. The governor was appointed by the military commander, while the secretary of state and treasurer were elected by the people of California.

The provisional government was responsible for a number of tasks, including:

* Maintaining law and order

* Administering justice

* Collecting taxes

* Providing for education

* Establishing a postal system

The provisional government was dissolved in 1849 when California was admitted to the Union as the 31st state.