American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What did the ordinance of 1785 establish?

1. System of agricultural regulations

2. System of rectangular survey coordinates

3. Establishment of towns and cities

4. Funding for westward expansion

The correct answer is: System of rectangular survey coordinates

The ordinance of 1785 established a system of rectangular survey coordinates, which was crucial in organizing land in the newly acquired territories following the American Revolution. This system created a structured way to divide and manage the vast tracts of land in the Northwest Territory. The ordinance introduced a grid pattern, breaking down land into townships and sections, facilitating the sale and settlement of land. This systematic approach allowed for more efficient land management, sales, and settlement by ensuring that land could be easily identified, measured, and plotted. The significance of this ordinance cannot be understated, as it laid the groundwork for future land policies and settlement patterns in the United States, influencing how land was distributed and developed. It was a pivotal moment in American history that helped shape the landscape of westward expansion, making the land more accessible and organized for settlers.