Question

In American history, the __________ established a government, outlined the process for admitting a new state to the Union, and guaranteed that newly created states would be equal to the original thirteen states.

a) Declaration of Independence
b) Treaty of Ghent
c) Northwest Ordinance
d) Louisiana Purchase Treaty

Answer 1

The Northwest Ordinance established a government and the process for admitting new states to the Union, assuring equality with the original thirteen states, and banned slavery in the Northwest Territory.

Step-by-step explanation:

In American history, the Northwest Ordinance established a government, outlined the process for admitting a new state to the Union, and guaranteed that newly created states would be equal to the original thirteen states. The correct answer to the student's question is c) Northwest Ordinance. The Ordinance, passed in 1787, provided a blueprint for the settlement of the Northwest Territory, which included areas that are now Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

It specified the governmental structure for the territory and a path to statehood that required a territory to reach a certain population before it could apply. Importantly, it also banned slavery in the Northwest Territory and established fundamental rights such as religious freedom and the right to a trial by jury, setting a standard for future territories and states.