Northwest Ordinance Word Problems Take a tour around the country and see which territories qualify for statehood
What was the Northwest Ordinance? It was a set of rules or qualification by which a territory could be ANNEXED into the United States (1789)
Qualifications for statehood: As territories grow in population they gain the right of self-government Democratic Republican Adhere to U.S. Constitution At least 5,000 men who owned at least 50 acres each 60,000 people Must have a previously established self-government
Directions With your committee, take a tour around the American countryside to decide which territories qualify for statehood You must explain why each scenario does or does not qualify Team with the most correct answers and justifications wins a prize If you’re not sure, explain what information would be necessary in order for you to make a better decision
New Mexico Territory Hello. We are the committee from New Mexico applying for annexation. At this time our territory includes freed slaves, Mexicans, and Anglo settlers. Our population is just about 60,000 including free slaves. We have a governor in charge of the territory and hold regular elections. Please consider us for statehood.
Quebec Territory Greetings! We are applying for statehood because we believe we will make a wonderful addition to the United States. Although we are associated with the Canadian government, we have regular elections, and 5,000 families. Our settlers come from all calls of life, some being poor and landless and some very wealthy. Hopefully this good balance sits well with you. Thanks.
Wyoming Territory Greetings from beautiful Wyoming! We would like to be considered for statehood because since last year, we have maintained our representative government in which each town in the territory gets equal representation. Also, we have written our own constitution in which we strive to create a socialist government---one branch of government to rule all! We are a very united and patriotic territory. Please consider us for statehood.
Iowa Territory Hello! We would like to be considered for statehood for the following reasons: First of all, we have 3 branches of government to rule our territory, as well as representatives from each town to voice the opinions of the people. While we do maintain the practice of slavery, it does not interfere with the democratic process since slaves are not allowed to vote.
California Territory Welcome to the most incredible place on earth! Please consider us for statehood! First of all, we do not allow slaves and Chinese to vote in our elections, so that shows that we do what makes our tax-paying settlers happy. Also, as of recently, our record books indicate that we have 5,000 male settlers with land claims moving in to the territory. Many of our settlers are miners and farmers and have no problem making their own living. We support and follow the democratic policies of the U.S. and should therefore be made a state. Thank you.
Territory of Florida Greetings from Florida. We are the wealthy class making a petition for the U.S. to accept our territory as a state. We need the help of the United States in order to rid ourselves of the Seminole Indians who continue to plague our land. As long as they are here we can not set up a representative government because we refuse to give them the right to vote. Until this problem is fixed, our governor acts as the ultimate authority which makes the final decisions. Help us make our land a democracy!
Territory of New Orleans Greetings! We are the city of New Orleans located in the heart of the Louisiana Territory! Our land is the portal for trade opportunities and growth. We have a variety of cultured and educated wealthy merchants that will most willingly serve the needs of the United States. We hold regular elections and make organized democratic decisions. We have fertile land, slaves, and important politicians that prefer this land over any other. The small size of the town gives the place a cozy and united feel. Please keep us in mind. Thanks.