What was the most important element of the North Ordinance of 1787 why?

The most important element of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 was its provision for the orderly expansion and governance of the Northwest Territory, which included areas that would become several U.S. states. It established a framework for the admission of new states, ensuring that they would be treated equally to the original states. Additionally, it emphasized principles such as the protection of civil liberties and the prohibition of slavery in the territory, setting a precedent for the future development of the United States and its values.