The Northwest Ordinance of 1787
Explore the historical significance and key provisions of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 with this informative worksheet for 8th graders.
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The Northwest Ordinance of 1787
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Refer to your knowledge of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787.
1. What was the primary purpose of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?
To establish trade routes with Native American tribes.
To organize new territories and create a process for admitting new states.
To declare independence from Great Britain.
To resolve conflicts between existing states.
2. Which of the following was explicitly forbidden in the Northwest Territory?
Public education
Slavery
Religious freedom
Trial by jury
3. The Northwest Ordinance was passed under the , which was the first constitution of the United States.
4. The Northwest Territory included land that would eventually become the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and .
5. Describe two important principles established by the Northwest Ordinance that influenced future U.S. expansion and governance.
6. The Northwest Ordinance allowed slavery to expand into the new territories.
True
False
7. The Northwest Ordinance guaranteed religious freedom and trial by jury for settlers in the territory.
True
False
The map below illustrates the land included in the Northwest Territory.
Match the term on the left with its description on the right.
8. Republican government
a. To forbid something by law
9. Abolish
b. A system of government where citizens elect representatives
10. Ordinance
c. A law or regulation