Lesson
John Quincy Adams and His Struggle Against Slavery and the Gag Rule
How did John Quincy Adams fight against the injustice of the gag rule in the House of Representatives? How can students fight for justice in their own lives?
Founding Principles
Civil Discourse, Freedom of Speech, Majority Rule / Minority Rights
Guiding questions
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 John Quincy Adams’ identity in relation to the fight against the House’s gag rule?
- What was John Quincy Adams’ purpose in fighting against the gag rule?
- How did Adams fight against the injustice of the gag rule?
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?
Learning objectives
- Students will examine John Quincy Adams’ fight against the gag rule
- Students will analyze how John Quincy Adams’ actions were just
- Students will apply their understanding to how they can act justly in their own lives
Lesson Components
Standards
Advanced Placement
- Justice,
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