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John Quincy Adams and His Struggle Against Slavery and the Gag Rule

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 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?
  • 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

Student Handouts