The correct answer is -Settling public lands in the West-
The Land Ordinance of 1785 is considered one of the most important legislative acts in American history due to the fact that it laid the foundations of land policies.
It was passed by the Congress of the Confederation on May 20, 1785.
The purpose of the act was to establish orderly and equitable procedures for the settlement of the Northwest territory.
According to the act, the government would survey the lands into individual townships according to a rectangular grid system.