Name: __________________________
U.S. History Class Period: _________
Northwest Ordinance
Comprehension Questions
Improving Classification Skills
Directions: Match the number of the article in the Northwest Ordinance with the topic covered in that
article
1. ___E___ I
A. Providing schools
2. ___C____ II
B. Status of slavery
3. ___A____ III
C. Trial by jury
4. ___F____ IV
D. Population needed to create a state
5. ___D____ V
E. Freedom of religion
6. ___B____ VI
F. States join the Union forever
Understanding the Document
Directions: Answer these questions using the excerpts from the Northwest Ordinance.
7. According to the document, how are territorial governors to be chosen?
Territorial governors will be appointed by the U.S. Congress
8. When can elections for a legislature be organized?
As soon as there are 5,000 free males of full age in a governor’s district
9.
Once a legislature exists, what 2 steps will be necessary for a bill to become a law?
1. approved by a majority of the council & of the house
2. approved by the governor
10. How many states could be formed out of the Northwest Territory? 3 to 5
11. What was the rule regarding slaves who escaped from slaveholding states and reached
the Northwest Territory? Any slave or servant escaping into the territory may be
lawfully reclaimed.