Question

Describe in your own words the provisions in the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 that allowed admission of new states to the United States, guaranteed the individual rights of citizens, and dealt with slavery in the old Northwest. Be sure to list the current states that were subject to this ordinance.

Answer 1

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 allowed for the admission of new states, protected individual rights, and addressed slavery in the old Northwest territories. It established a process for statehood based on population, guaranteed rights like trial by jury and freedom of religion, and prohibited slavery in the territories. The states subject to the ordinance were Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Overall, it was an important legislation that shaped the growth of the United States and promoted freedom and equality.