What did the northwest ordinance say?

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 established a framework for governing the Northwest Territory, which included land north of the Ohio River and east of the Mississippi River. It outlined the process for admitting new states to the Union, set guidelines for territorial governance, and emphasized the importance of education and civil liberties. The ordinance also prohibited slavery in the Northwest Territory, laying a foundation for future debates over slavery in the United States. Overall, it was a significant step in the westward expansion and organization of the country.