1. Political Foundations

2.  The Articles of Confederation gave Congress the power to admit new states to the union  This power was critical for the growth of the United States  After the Revolutionary War, the U.S. gained territory from Britain  This territory was between the original 13 colonies and the Mississippi River

3. The Northwest Territory

4.  The Northwest Ordinance was passed in 1787  The document now set forth the procedure for granting statehood to territories within the region  One of the most important documents passed under the Articles of Confederation  The document served as a model for granting future statehood

5.  Freedom of religion and worship  Right to a trial by jury if you are accused of a crime  No cruel or unusual punishment  No slavery was allowed in the territory’

6. The process is………..

7.  3-step process  Step 1  If the population is just a few settlers, you were given ◦ A governor chosen by Congress ◦ A secretary appointed by Congress ◦ Three judges appointed by Congress

8.  Step 2 ◦ When the population is 5,000 free men you can elect a two-part legislature ◦ The governor earned veto power ◦ A secretary and three judges were chosen ◦ Now representatives were able to be chosen as well

9.  Step 3  When the area has 60,000 free people the legislature can write a draft for a state constitution  The constitution is sent to Congress for approval  If approved you become a state

10. Ohio was the first one! The states created from the Northwest Territory