What did the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 establish?

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 primarily established a systematic process for admitting new states to the Union. This legislation laid the foundation for how territories in the Northwest would be organized and governed, establishing a framework in which territories could become states once they reached a certain population threshold and had a constitution that aligned with the principles of the organization of the Union. It outlined the step-by-step process for transitioning from territory to statehood, which was crucial in shaping the future of the United States as it expanded westward.

The ordinance also included important provisions related to governance, such as guaranteeing individual rights and promoting education, but its cornerstone was the structured approach to statehood that was designed to ensure that new states could integrate into the Union with equal standing to the original states. The implications of this ordinance significantly influenced American expansion and governance practices in subsequent years.