The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 established several laws for the newly acquired lands in the Northwest Territory. Some of the main laws established by the ordinance include:
1. Prohibition of Slavery: The ordinance prohibited slavery in the Northwest Territory. This made it the first federal law to restrict the expansion of slavery in the United States.
2. Creation of a New Territory: It established the Northwest Territory, which included the areas that would later become the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
3. Promotion of Education: The ordinance set aside land (one section in every township) for the purpose of establishing public schools. This laid the foundation for public education in the country's western territories.
4. Protection of Property Rights: The ordinance guaranteed property rights and prohibited the taking of property without the consent of the owner, emphasizing the importance of individual rights.
5. Establishment of a Transparent Legal System: The ordinance established a system of government for the territory, including the appointment of a governor, three judges, and a secretary. It also provided for the formation and admission of new states.
6. Promotion of Civil Liberties: The ordinance guaranteed civil liberties such as freedom of religion, trial by jury, and due process of law.
Overall, the Northwest Ordinance played a significant role in shaping the legal and political landscape of the United States, particularly in terms of expanding westward and establishing democratic principles in new territories.
what laws were established by the Northwest Ordinance?
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