How did the territories get ready for statehood?

Territories prepared for statehood by meeting specific requirements set by Congress, including establishing a population threshold, creating a constitution, and demonstrating a commitment to governance and civil rights. They often held conventions to draft state constitutions and conducted referendums to gauge public support for statehood. Additionally, territories worked to develop infrastructure and economies to prove their viability as states. Once these criteria were met, they could petition Congress for admission into the Union.