Final answer:
Under the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, a territory could apply for statehood once it had reached a population of 60,000 inhabitants. This provision was essential for establishing a viable state government. Other population milestones and requirements, while significant, did not pertain directly to applying for statehood.
Explanation:
Applying for Statehood Under the Northwest Ordinance
The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 established a structured process for territories to transition into statehood. One of the pivotal provisions of this ordinance was the requirement regarding population.
According to the ordinance, a territory could apply for statehood after it had a population of 60,000 free inhabitants. This population requirement was significant as it ensured that the new state would have a stable and substantial population base to support a functioning government and economy.
The other options, while related to governance and population, do not align with the specific stipulations set forth in the Northwest Ordinance. To summarize:
- They had to have a population of 5,000 free adult males - this was an earlier threshold but not related to statehood application.
- Freed all of its enslaved people - this was important for social reasons but not a requirement for statehood.
- Set up a state legislature - while this was a part of governance, it was only after meeting the population requirement that this could be pursued.
Thus, the correct answer is that a territory needed to reach a population of 60,000 to apply for statehood under the Northwest Ordinance of 1787.
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