The list below contains provisions of the…
Northwest Ordinance
Articles of Confederation
US Constitution
Declaration of Independence
Northwest Ordinance:
- Prohibited slavery in the Northwest Territory (region that is now the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin)
- Established a system for admitting new states to the Union
- Established guidelines for organizing territorial governments and eventually becoming states
Articles of Confederation:
- Established a loose alliance of the thirteen original states, creating a confederation of sovereign states
- Provided for a weak central government with limited powers
- Granted each state one vote in the national Congress
- Gave the central government the power to declare war, conduct foreign affairs, and make treaties
US Constitution:
- Established a stronger central government with three branches - legislative, executive, and judicial
- Outlined a system of checks and balances to prevent the abuse of power
- Provided for the separation of powers between the federal government and the states
- Listed the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals in the Bill of Rights (first ten amendments)
Declaration of Independence:
- Declared the thirteen American colonies as independent states, no longer subject to British rule
- Explained the reasons for the colonies' separation from Great Britain, including grievances against the British government
- Asserted the natural rights of all individuals, including the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness