The Northwest Ordinance, passed by the Continental Congress in 1787, is a highly significant document in American history. It served as a framework for the creation of new states in the Northwest Territory, which at that time included present-day Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and part of Minnesota. The ordinance established a precedent for territorial government, outlined the rights and freedoms of citizens, and prohibited the practice of slavery in the Northwest Territory. Teaching students about the Northwest Ordinance is important as it helps them understand the impact of this piece of legislation on the development of the United States.
When introducing the Northwest Ordinance to students, it is important to provide context about the historical events leading up to its creation. It may also be useful to have students interact with primary sources related to the ordinance, such as the original text of the document, maps of the Northwest Territory at the time, and writings of statesmen who were involved in its creation and passage.
One way to engage students with the Northwest Ordinance is by having them analyze its provisions in small groups. Students can be asked to read the text of the ordinance and identify the main themes and ideas contained within it. Then, they can work together to create a more detailed summary of its provisions and discuss what they think the significance of these ideas were at the time of its passage.
Another approach to teaching the Northwest Ordinance is to have students create visual representations of the content of the document. For example, students can create maps of the Northwest Territory which highlight the territory’s boundaries and the areas in which slavery was prohibited. In addition, students can be asked to create drawings or diagrams that depict the different aspects of the ordinance, such as its governance structure and individual rights and freedoms.
To supplement classroom discussions and activities on the Northwest Ordinance, teachers can also provide resources for independent investigation and research. This can include assignments such as writing essays on the impact of the Northwest Ordinance on the development of the United States, or conducting research on the process by which new states were admitted to the Union.
