Honoring Monroe's Birthday: New Study Highlights His Drafting of America's First Organic Territorial Law
The study highlights James Monroe's pivotal role not only in supporting Jefferson's 1784 Ordinance but, more critically, in drafting the original framework for the Northwest Ordinance, presented to Congress in Spring 1786.
Monroe's draft created America's first federal Organic Law governing U.S. territory—setting the constitutional foundation for orderly expansion, equal statehood, and protection of republican principles.
As Chairman of the Committee on the Western Lands, Monroe shaped both the Land Ordinance of 1785 and the territorial governance structure that evolved into the Northwest Ordinance of 1787—the only Organic Law enacted under both the Articles of Confederation and later reaffirmed under the U.S. Constitution.
'James Monroe's legal vision defined how America would grow,' said Stan Klos. 'He ensured that new territories would not be treated as colonies, but as future states, preserving the Revolution's ideals.'
James Monroe's contributions as a delegate to the United States in Congress Assembled (USCA) under the Articles of Confederation have had a profound and lasting impact on the United States, despite often being overlooked.
His key accomplishments include:
The full paper will be published on the James Monroe Memorial Foundation website beginning April 28, 2025 – https://monroefoundation.org/2025/04/28/usca-delegate-james-monroe/
About The James Monroe Memorial Foundation:
The James Monroe Memorial Foundation is committed to honoring and promoting the life, achievements, and enduring legacy of America's fifth president. Learn more: https://monroefoundation.org/.
MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:
Stanley Y. Klos
[email protected]
(202) 239-1774
NEWS SOURCE: The James Monroe Memorial Foundation
Keywords: Government, James Monroe, Northwest Ordinance, United States in Congress Assembled, Land Ordinance 1785, Ordinance 1784, Organic law, Founding Fathers, Territorial governance, Articles of Confederation, Early American Republic, historian Stanley Y. Klos., COLONIAL BEACH, Va.
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