What did states have to apply for before becoming a state?

Before becoming a state, territories in the United States had to apply for statehood by submitting a formal request to Congress. This process typically involved demonstrating a sufficient population, establishing a constitution, and adhering to certain legal and political requirements. Congress would then consider the application, often requiring a vote to admit the territory as a state. Additionally, the proposed state needed to ensure it would uphold the principles of the U.S. Constitution.