The northwest ordinance of 1787 is important because it a. granted universal suffrage b. gave rules for territorial expansion and the admission of new states. c. balanced the number of free and slave states in america. d. provided free land to all settlers.

The correct answer is B) gave rules of territorial expansion and the admission of new states.

The Northwest Ordinance was an important law in the development of America as a new independent nation. In this ordinance, there were requirements set up that allowed territories to become states. Some of these requirements include:

1) Having a population of at least 60,000 free citizens.

2) The development of a state constitution.

3) The creation of a local/state government with officials appointed by the US Congress.

After meeting these requirements, territories could apply for statehood. This ordinance allowed for states like Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan to join the US.