American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What was the main purpose of the "Land Ordinance of 1785"?

1. To establish national parks in the west

2. To create systematic land division for distribution

3. To fund highway construction projects

4. To regulate trade routes in newly acquired territories

The correct answer is: To create systematic land division for distribution

The main purpose of the "Land Ordinance of 1785" was to create a systematic framework for the division and distribution of land in the western territories of the United States. This legislation was a pivotal step in organizing land administration and promoting settlement in areas that had recently come under American governance following independence. By establishing a grid system, the ordinance provided a means for the federal government to sell land to settlers and raise funds for the national treasury. The ordinance facilitated the orderly survey of land into townships and sections, which was essential for enabling settlers to acquire land in a fair and straightforward manner. This structured approach not only encouraged private land ownership but also helped delineate public land from private holdings, which was vital for future development. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the primary intention of the ordinance. While national parks were created later, they were not a focus of the 1785 legislation. The ordinance did not have provisions for highway construction projects or for regulating trade routes, as it primarily dealt with the management and sale of land rather than transportation or trade regulation. Thus, the choice highlighting systematic land division captures the essence of the ordinance's purpose effectively.