Skip to Main Content

Video

The Northwest Ordinance | Primary Source Essentials

Grade
8–12
Duration
3 min
Published
Aug 21, 2024
Document titled "The Northwest Ordinance" with a decorative label "PRIMARY SOURCE ESSENTIALS".

Watch

About this video

How did the Northwest Ordinance shape the expansion of the United States in the early republic? In this rapid-fire episode of BRI’s Primary Source Essentials, explore how the Confederation Congress established a process for admitting new states to the Union with the Northwest Ordinance of 1787. Learn about the three-step process for statehood, the protection of essential rights, the promotion of education, and the ban on slavery in the Northwest Territory. Discover how this critical ordinance laid the foundation for the creation of five states—Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Minnesota—and promoted republican principles of self-government and a healthy civil society.

Standards

Check whether this resource aligns with your state’s standards →

Related Resources

Cover of "The Federalist: A Collection of Essays," specifically "Federalist 10." Includes title and publication details.
VideoFederalist 10 | BRI’s Primary Source Essentials

How did Federalist 10 allow the Founders to create a Constitution with a stable and lasting form of government? In this rapid-fire episode of BRI’s Primary Source Essentials and Federalist 10 summary, learn the arguments from James Madison, who wrote Federalist 10. Discover why the Federalists believed a large republic was key to the Constitution and other Federalist 10 main points. Primary Source Essentials Federalist 10 Handout: https://bri-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/PSE+Federalist+10+Handout.pdf

Cover of "The Federalist: A Collection of Essays," highlighting Federalist No. 51, with a graphic stating "Primary Source Essentials."
VideoFederalist 51 | Primary Source Essentials

What are the main Constitutional principles that help limit government? In this rapid-fire episode and Federalist 51 summary of BRI’s Primary Source Essentials, learn the arguments made by James Madison, who wrote Federalist 51, in Federalist 51. The Federalist 51 main points explain why he believed the constitutional checks and balances put in place would help create a limited government.

Image of the U.S. Constitution with "Primary Source Essentials" text and a decorative border.
VideoU.S. Constitution | Primary Source Essentials

What does the Constitution do? What are the principles of self-government in the Constitution? In this rapid-fire episode of BRI’s Primary Source Essentials and United States Constitution summary, learn how the US Constitution was framed as a stronger, yet limited, government built upon certain principles. The US Constitution Explained | A Primary Source Close Read w/ BRI: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/videos/the-constitution-explained-a-primary-source-close-read-w-bri