Final answer:
The claim that a U.S. territory needed a population of 5,000 free men to elect representatives and form a local legislature is true. This was part of the land ordinances under the Confederation Congress which provided a structured process toward statehood.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a territory needed a population of 5,000 free men to elect representatives to govern themselves is true. This requirement was part of the land ordinances during the period of the Confederation Congress, which outlined the steps that territories had to follow to move toward statehood. Specifically, the ordinance stipulated that once a territory had 5,000 free adult settlers, those citizens could form a local legislature. Subsequently, when the population reached 60,000, the territory could apply to enter the Union as a new state. This process reflects the American principle of self-governance and played a significant role in the westward expansion of the United States.
The need for 5,000 free men to elect a governing body shows early American policies regarding representation. These policies aimed to balance the power between the states and ensure a gradual transition from territory to statehood. The emphasis on 'free men' also highlights the societal norms and restrictions of the time, as it was primarily white male landowners who were considered 'citizens' eligible to vote or hold office.