On September 9, 1849, California formally became the 32nd state of the United States. This momentous occasion marked the culmination of a drawn-out process that spanned decades and featured numerous political contests. Prior to statehood, California had been a Spanish territory under the control of Spain, experiencing significant transformations in

California's political structure is a complex and dynamic/vibrant/active system. Led by/Guided by/Headed by the Governor, a popularly elected official, the state government/administration operates/functions/conducts through three distinct branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial. The state legislature/California Legislature/Lawmaking body