The Ordinance Of July 13 1787
The Ordinance of July 13, 1787, widely known as the Northwest Ordinance, was a pivotal act passed by the Congress of the Confederation. This foundational document established the procedures for admitting new states from the Northwest Territory, crucially prohibiting slavery in the region and guaranteeing civil liberties. It remains one of the most significant legislative achievements of the early American republic, shaping the nation's westward expansion and future legal framework.