Question

Each territory has an appointed governor and council

When the population reaches 5,000, the residents elect their own representatives
When 60,000 settlers reside in a territory, they can draft a constitution and petition for statehood
Creation for protection of civil liberties and public education
Prohibition of slavery
What is being described?
A) Article V of the Constitution
B) Northwest Ordinance of 1787
C) 13th and 14th Amendments
D) Reconstruction

Answer 1

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 is described, outlining the process for territories to become states and the early prohibition of slavery within new territories.

Step-by-step explanation:

The piece of legislation being described is the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, which established the precedent by which the United States would expand westward through the admission of new states rather than the expansion of existing states. According to the ordinance, territories could become states through a staged process of governance: a governor and council appointed by Congress with fewer than 5,000 white adult males; an elected legislature with 5,000 to 60,000 white male inhabitants; and the drafting of a constitution and petition for statehood when exceeding 60,000 inhabitants. Importantly, the ordinance provided for the protection of civil liberties including the prohibition of slavery in the new territories, a milestone in American history.