Northwest Ordinance and Territorial Governance

The Northwest Ordinance, adopted in 1787 by the Second Continental Congress, was a plan to manage territories in the Ohio region, allowing them to become states with equal standing in the Union. It required states to relinquish claims to western lands, leading to the ratification of the Articles of Confederation. The ordinance outlined territorial governance and statehood criteria, including a population threshold of 60,000 settlers. It also banned slavery in new territories and aimed to generate revenue to pay national debt. However, it failed to recognize Native American rights. The ordinance was a significant achievement under the Articles of Confederation, fostering national unity.

What was the primary purpose of the Northwest Ordinance adopted in 1787?

• To manage territories in the Ohio region

• To create a new constitution

• To establish a national bank

• To declare independence from Britain

What was required for the ratification of the Articles of Confederation?

• A new draft of the Articles

• Approval from the British Parliament

• A unanimous vote from the original 13 states

• States giving up their western land claims

What did the Northwest Ordinance establish regarding new territories?

• They would remain under federal control indefinitely

• They would be sold to foreign countries

• They could become states with equal standing to the original 13 states

• They would be used exclusively for military purposes

At what population could a territorial subdivision become a state according to the Northwest Ordinance?

• 100,000 settlers

• 60,000 settlers

• 30,000 settlers

• 10,000 settlers

How did the federal government plan to use the land in the new territories?

• To build national parks

• To sell it for settling and development

• To create military bases

• To establish trade routes

What significant decision regarding slavery was made in the Northwest Ordinance?

• Slavery was only allowed in southern territories

• Slavery was to be decided by each territory

• Slavery was allowed in all new territories

• Slavery was banned in all new territories

How were Native Americans treated under the Northwest Ordinance?

• They were allowed to form their own states

• They were denied rights and not acknowledged as citizens

• They were given equal rights as settlers

• They were granted full citizenship

What was one of the major accomplishments of the government under the Articles of Confederation?

• The establishment of a national currency

• The Northwest Ordinance

• The signing of the Treaty of Paris

• The creation of a strong federal army

What impact did the Northwest Ordinance have on the new growing country?

• It weakened the sense of unity

• It strengthened the sense of unity

• It led to the dissolution of the Union

• It caused economic instability