Final answer:
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.