The Northwest Ordinance

1. The Northwest Ordinance Political Foundations

2. Prior to the Document • The Articles of Confederation gave Congress the power to admit new states to the union • This power was critical for the growth of the United States • After the Revolutionary War, the U.S. gained territory from Britain • This territory was between the original 13 colonies and the Mississippi River

3. The Northwest Territory

4. When was the document passed? • The Northwest Ordinance was passed in 1787 • The document now set forth the procedure for granting statehood to territories within the region • One of the most important documents passed under the Articles of Confederation • The document served as a model for granting future statehood

5. Citizens had rights • Freedom of religion and worship • Right to a trial by jury if you are accused of a crime • No cruel or unusual punishment • No slavery was allowed in the territory’

6. But what if the territory wanted to become a state? The process is………..

7. Statehood Process • 3-step process • Step 1 • If the population is just a few settlers, you were given • A governor chosen by Congress • A secretary appointed by Congress • Three judges appointed by Congress

8. Step 2 • When the population is 5,000 free men you can elect a two-part legislature • The governor earned veto power • A secretary and three judges were chosen • Now representatives were able to be chosen as well

9. Step 3 • When the area has 60,000 free people the legislature can write a draft for a state constitution • The constitution is sent to Congress for approval • If approved you become a state

10. The states created from the Northwest Territory Ohio was the first one!