Greetings

So I'm giving 1404 a shot and like it but am frustrated that some of the fundamental mechanics seem hidden or not fully explained. Among these are the rules for ascension. For a while I was missing the required number of citizens to unlock building like the rope factory. Saw on a forum here that building more peasant houses allows more peasants to become citizens. This is not a common sense solution to me. Might someone explain to me the general logic and mechanics for ascension? Would be much appreciated.