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Primary
US National Archives

Nara: Treasures of Congress: Struggles Over Slavery the "Gag" Rule

For Students 9th - 10th
This National Archives and Records Administration site contains John Quincy Adams' response to the "gag" rule in the House of Representatives, May 25, 1836, which restricted discussion about slavery in Congress . Also included are images...
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Website
US Capitol Visitor Center

U.s. Capitol Visitor Center: 1820 1861: Holding the Union Together

For Students 9th - 10th
American history from 1820-1861 is interwoven with the history of the Capitol as it was expanded to accommodate a growing government body. A timeline of significant events in the debates over slavery, the addition of free and slave...
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Website
University of Virginia

Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: John Quincy Adams: Life After the Presidency

For Students 9th - 10th
Perhaps John Quincy Adams' most important service to his country came after he was president. Read about his terms as Congressman in the House of Representatives.
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Handout
US Senate

Historical Minutes: Gag Rule: March 16, 1836

For Students 9th - 10th
A look at how the Senate in 1836 imposed a gag rule on petitions that advocated the abolition of slavery. Information is from "Arguing about Slavery" by William Lee Miller.