What is a franchise state? Is California a franchise state?

I read in several places that California is not a real state but a franchise state. Id like to know if this is true and exactly what "franchise state"

I read in several places that California is not a real state but a franchise state. I'd like to know if this is true and exactly what "franchise state" means.

or:I read in several places that California is not a real state but a franchise state. I'd like to know if this is true and exactly what \"franchise state\" means.

or:I never heard the term before. Here is the only reference I found: merrittolson.wordpress.com/2012/01/30/franchise-states/

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