The Legislative History of the Ordinance of 1787.

The article presents an exploration into the development and background of the Ordinance of 1787, also known as the Northwest Ordinance, in U.S. legislative history. An overview is given of the state-by-state approval, negotiation, and resolutions of the ordinance through the leadership of statesman Thomas Jefferson. Precursors to the Ordinance of 1787 such as the Ordinance of 1784 are also discussed in depth. Multiple amendments and reports made during the decade are examined, highlighting the disputes over issues such as slavery and previous state claims in the Northwest region.