California History and Governance

Before becoming a US state, California was governed by Mexico as Alta California. Settlers, mainly from the US, sought independence, leading to the Bear Flag Revolt. In 1846, the US declared war on Mexico, resulting in the Mexican-American War. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the war, ceding California to the US. Bennett Riley organized a constitutional convention in 1849, leading to California's statehood in 1850. Sacramento was established as the state capital in 1854.

What was California called when it was governed by Mexico?

• Alta California

• Baja California

• Nueva California

• California del Norte

Why did many settlers move to California before it became a state?

• To escape war

• For religious freedom

• To join the Mexican army

• To find gold and utilize rich farmland

What was the Bear Flag Revolt?

• A rebellion against the United States

• A movement to join Texas

• A protest against high taxes

• A revolt to declare California an independent republic

Who encouraged the settlers to revolt against the Mexican government?

• Peter H. Burnett

• John Fremont

• Antonio Lopez

• Mariano Vallejo

What was the outcome of the Mexican-American War for the United States?

• Annexation of Baja California

• Gained New Mexico and California

• Loss of Texas

• Independence for California

What treaty ended the Mexican-American War?

• Treaty of Tordesillas

• Treaty of Paris

• Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

• Treaty of Versailles

What was the purpose of the California Constitutional Convention in 1849?

• To elect a new president

• To write a state constitution

• To declare war on Mexico

• To negotiate with Native American tribes

Who was elected as California's first governor?

• John Fremont

• Bennett Riley

• Peter H. Burnett

• Mariano Vallejo

When did California become the 31st state of the United States?

• 1854

• 1852

• 1850

• 1848

Which city became the capital of California in 1854?

• Los Angeles

• Sacramento

• San Diego

• San Francisco