Which ordinance passed in 1785 set up a system for surveying and selling land in the northwest, with one section reserved for public education?

The Land Ordinance of 1785 was significant in establishing a systematic approach to surveying and selling land in the Northwest Territory, which was crucial for the westward expansion of the United States. This ordinance outlined a grid system for dividing land into townships and sections, making it easier for settlers to purchase and settle there. A key aspect of this ordinance was that it reserved one section in each township for public education, recognizing the importance of education in the development of new territories. This provision laid the groundwork for future states to support education, highlighting the federal government’s role in promoting civic responsibility and public welfare in the newly acquired lands.

In contrast, the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 primarily addressed the governance and admission of these territories as states, while the Virginia Plan and the Connecticut Compromise pertained to the structure of the United States government and representation. Thus, the Land Ordinance of 1785 stands out as the correct answer due to its direct focus on land management and education.