Question

Which precedent was set by the northwest ordinance and later included in the U.S constitution

Answer 1

The Northwest Ordinance set a precedent for the process of admitting new states into the Union, a ban on slavery in new territories, and the establishment of a Bill of Rights that included religious freedom, which would later be included in the U.S Constitution.

Step-by-step explanation:

The precedent set by the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 and later included in the U.S Constitution was the establishment of a process for the admission of new states to the Union. Additionally, the Northwest Ordinance outlined significant policies such as the ban on slavery in new territories, the requirement for a Bill of Rights, and protections for religious freedom. These provisions set forth a framework that would later be reflected in constitutional principles.

The process began with territories having a population of fewer than 5,000 white adult males being governed by a governor and judges appointed by Congress. When a territory reached a population of 5,000 to 60,000 white males, it could elect a legislature. Finally, when the population exceeded 60,000, the territory could draft a state constitution that abolished slavery, protected religious freedom, and applied for statehood. The measures indicated that self-government came with statehood and congress had the ultimate control over the settlement of western territories. Notably, the ordinance's ban on slavery set a precedent for federal regulation and limitation of slavery in new states.

Answer 2

The Northwest Ordinance was a law that established the guidelines/requirements for a territory to become a US state. This ordinance was imperative to America's expansion, as this law lead to Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota becoming US states.

Even though this law was passed under the Articles of Confederation, the government takes this concept and implements it into the new US Constitution. This is seen in Article IV Clause 1 of the US Constitution.