U1L3 - Northwest Ordinance

Treaty

a formally concluded and ratified agreement between countries

Ordinance

a piece of legislation enacted by a municipal authority; an authoritative order, a decree

Precedent

an earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances.

precursor

one that precedes (comes before) and indicates the approach of another

List all states in the Northwest Territory

Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin

How was the territory acquired?

They gained it after the revolutionary war through the treaty of paris (1783)

Initially Congress would choose whom to rule over territory?

A governor

When there were how many adult male citizens in a district, could they elect their own legislature?

5,000 free male settlers

When the population of a territory reached what number could they apply for statehood?

60,000 free inhabitants

Explain how Congress facilitates the process by which a territory becomes a state.

Congress legislates (passes a series of laws) the process / procedures

Describe how the Northwest Ordinance created support for education within each new territory.

The Ordinance was significant for establishing a mechanism for funding public education. Many schools today are still located in section 16 of their respective townships. In later states, section 36 of each township was also designated as a "school section."

Synthesize the basic rights of American citizenship as explicitly stated within the NW Ordinance as precursors to the Bill of Rights.

Property Rights, Civil and Religious Liberty, Benefits of the writ of habeas corpus (a person under arrest be brought before a judge or into court), Trial by Jury, Representation, Bail, Justice, No Slavery

What was made illegal in the territory? Why?

Slavery / involuntary servitude. Congress did not want slavery to extend to the northern states. In fact, many wanted it contained to those states where it existed.

What structure were state governments to be in the territory? What does that mean?

Structure - a Republican form of government. Governor - 3 year term; Secretary - 4 year term; a legislature (General Assembly); Governor is commander in chief of the militia and appoints magistrates