The Northwest Ordinance, enacted in 1787, established several important laws and principles regarding the governance and admission of new states in the Northwest Territory (which included areas that would become states like Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and part of Minnesota). Here are some key provisions established by the Northwest Ordinance:
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Creation of New States: It laid out a process for admitting new states to the Union on an equal footing with the original states.
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Governance: The ordinance established a framework for temporary government in the territory, with appointed governors and judges before a territory could have its own elected legislature.
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Land Surveys and Sales: It provided for the organization of land surveying and sale.
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Protection of Civil Liberties: The ordinance included a bill of rights ensuring certain civil liberties, such as freedom of religion and the right to a jury trial.
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Prohibition of Slavery: It explicitly prohibited slavery and involuntary servitude in the Northwest Territory, although it allowed for the return of escaped slaves.
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