[crz]

First, they are territories. Then after application and being accepted, become states sovereign, joining the union of states. The federal government relinquishes all such, other than Indian lands. Indian lands are in fact a seperate entity within the federal government.

[DoodleDawg]

First, they are territories.

How could the federal government organize territories if, as you say, it didn't own the land?

Then after application and being accepted, become states sovereign, joining the union of states. The federal government relinquishes all such, other than Indian lands. Indian lands are in fact a seperate entity within the federal government.

Read the enabling acts.