Which document included a measure to help pay off the national debt through land sales?

The Land Ordinance of 1785 is the document that included a measure to help pay off the national debt through land sales. This ordinance was significant as it established a systematic process for surveying and selling land in the western territories of the United States, particularly those acquired through the Treaty of Paris in 1783 after the Revolutionary War.

The ordinance laid out how land would be sold and organized, with the proceeds from these sales directed towards addressing the national debt incurred during the war. This financial strategy was particularly important at a time when the young nation was struggling to stabilize its economy. By promoting land sales, the government aimed to generate revenue and encourage westward expansion, ultimately supporting both financial recovery and settlement.

While the Constitution is crucial for establishing the framework of the U.S. government and the Articles of Confederation served as the first governing document, neither specifically addressed land sales for the purpose of debt repayment. The Bill of Rights focuses on individual rights and liberties and does not deal with land management or financial strategies.