Lesson
Conscience is the Most Sacred Property: James Madison, Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, and Justice
In this lesson, students will learn about James Madison's fight to promote and advance religious freedom in the State of Virginia. They will explore how his actions conformed to the idea of justice and through his example, learn how they can pursue justice in their own lives.
Founding Principles
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 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?
Learning objectives
- 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
Lesson Components
Standards
Advanced Placement
- Justice,
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