
Conscience is the Most Sacred Property: James Madison, Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, and Justice
45 min
Walk-In-The-Shoes Questions
As you read, imagine you are the protagonist.
- What challenges are you facing?
 - What fears or concerns might you have?
 - What may prevent you from acting in the way you ought?
 
Observation Questions
- What was Madison’s role in defending religious liberty and justice?
 - Why did Madison believe he needs to protect justice for those being persecuted?
 - What did Madison do in order to protect justice?
 
Discussion Questions
Discuss the following questions with your students.
- What is the historical context of the narrative?
 - What historical circumstances presented a challenge to the protagonist?
 - How and why did the individual exhibit a moral and/or civic virtue in facing and overcoming the challenge?
 - How did the exercise of the virtue benefit civil society?
 - How might exercise of the virtue benefit the protagonist?
 - What might the exercise of the virtue cost the protagonist?
 - Would you react the same under similar circumstances? Why or why not?
 - How can you act similarly in your own life? What obstacles must you overcome in order to do so?
 
- Students will study James Madison’s work in securing religious freedom
 - Students will analyze how James Madison’s work was in pursuit of justice
 - Students will apply this understanding to how they can act justly in their own lives