Sections

The Compromise is conveniently broken down into sections by topic, as was the fashion at the time. (But remember that the fashions of 1820 also includes such gems as dresses that look like nightgowns and generally looking uncomfy all day.)

It was, ultimately, a bill, and so each section was carefully crafted with an eye for legal language in order to avoid misinterpretation of the will of Congress. They vary in length, and there are eight sections total. (Psst: the really good stuff is in the last section.)

Generally speaking, the Compromise progresses in a natural way: it opens with the recognition of the state and the overall goals of the bill, delineates the state boundary, establishes the details of the constitutional convention, sets limits on the state government, and then throws in a nice division of the U.S. to boot.

How it Breaks Down

Section 1

The opening section, which serves as an intro to the bill. This section simple declares the purpose of the bill: the introduction of the territory of Missouri with its own right of self-determination.

Section 2

Section 2 handles to most basic issue at hand: just where exactly is Missouri, anyway? It sets the boundaries of the state, generally falling upon natural boundaries such as rivers.

Section 3

Section 3 is set up to provide structure for the upcoming Missouri Constitutional Convention, apportioning representatives from various districts of the soon-to-be state. It also sets a date for the convention to convene.

Section 4

Section 4 empowers this convention with the authority to draw up a state constitution, to be agreed upon democratically by the representatives duly elected for each district. It provides for the convention to provide its own structure and its own meeting place.

Section 5

Section 5 simply states that the state of Missouri shall have a single representative in the House of Representatives until a proper census can be taken in order to provide for the proper number of seats.

Section 6

Section 6 mandates that certain lands and taxes be set aside for certain purposes. Take a deep breath, guys: this is the boring part.

First it says that a certain plot of land in every town should be set aside for the purposes of a school. Second, that water rights are maintained by the state in all cases except for sale or lease of more than ten years, which would require Congressional approval. Third, that a portion of the revenue from sales of land must be set aside for the construction and maintenance of roads and canals. Fourth, that a certain amount of land be set aside for the purposes of a state capitol. Fifth, that a portion of the state's land would be set aside by the President for the purposes of higher education. The fifth clause also mandates that the sale of land and taxes levied upon such sales and lands would be the sole authority of the United States, and not Missouri.

Thrilling stuff, eh?

Section 7

Section 7 mandates that the state constitution, upon ratification within Missouri, must be sent to Congress for approval before statehood could be granted.

Section 8

Section 8—a.k.a. The Super-Important Section—declares a geographic restriction on the ownership of slaves at just north of the Texas border.