* Reservation of land for schools: The ordinance stipulated that at least one section (640 acres) of land in each township be set aside for the maintenance of public schools. This represented a significant commitment of resources to education, directly tying land ownership to the establishment of schools. This was a crucial step in fostering widespread literacy and civic engagement.
* Emphasis on education for citizenship: The ordinance, more broadly, reflected a belief that education was vital for the creation of informed and responsible citizens in a republican government. While it didn't directly outline curriculum, the underlying principle promoted the importance of education in building a strong and stable society governed by its people.
It's important to note that the Ordinance's impact on education wasn't immediate or uniform. The actual establishment and quality of schools varied considerably across the territory, depending on factors like population density, local resources, and the prioritization given by settlers and local governments. However, the legal framework created by the Ordinance laid the groundwork for future expansion of public education in the West, setting a powerful precedent for the role of government in supporting schooling.