Proponents and Opponents of the Missouri Compromise of 1820

As with any new piece of legislation, there were people who supported and people who opposed the Missouri Compromise. Have students research those who supported the compromise, as well as what it called for, and those who opposed it and why. Students will use a T-Chart to compare and contrast the viewpoints from both the proponents of the compromise as well as the opponents.

After completing this activity, students will be able to analyze and synthesize what points in the compromise were debated on, agreed on, and also what points were heavily debated. This will give them further insight as to why the compromise was so highly debated and why it was eventually agreed upon.

Extended Activity

Have students create a grid storyboard on proponents and opponents of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854. This will allow students to compare and contrast the arguments made both for and against the Missouri Compromise, as well as the Kansas-Nebraska Act. In addition, students will also gain a better understanding of the evolution of arguments made for and against slavery, as well as how/why it should or should not be expanded into new territory.

Student Instructions

Create a storyboard comparing and contrasting the views regarding the Missouri Compromise of 1820.

1. Click "Start Assignment".
2. Label the first column "Proponents" and the titles "Why it Worked"," Belief of States Rights", "Fears", and "Who Supported It"
3. Label the second column "Opponents" and the titles "Why it Could Not Work", "Belief in Congressional Power", "Fears", and "Who Opposed It".
4. In the description boxes, write a summary for each cell.
5. Create illustrations using appropriate scenes, maps, characters, and items.