Activity Overview
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.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard comparing and contrasting the views regarding the Missouri Compromise of 1820.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Label the first column "Proponents" and the titles "Why it Worked"," Belief of States Rights", "Fears", and "Who Supported It"
- Label the second column "Opponents" and the titles "Why it Could Not Work", "Belief in Congressional Power", "Fears", and "Who Opposed It".
- In the description boxes, write a summary for each cell.
- Create illustrations using appropriate scenes, maps, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
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.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard comparing and contrasting the views regarding the Missouri Compromise of 1820.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Label the first column "Proponents" and the titles "Why it Worked"," Belief of States Rights", "Fears", and "Who Supported It"
- Label the second column "Opponents" and the titles "Why it Could Not Work", "Belief in Congressional Power", "Fears", and "Who Opposed It".
- In the description boxes, write a summary for each cell.
- Create illustrations using appropriate scenes, maps, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Proponents and Opponents of the Missouri Compromise of 1820
Engage students with a Missouri Compromise debate simulation
Bring history to life by organizing a classroom debate where students role-play as proponents and opponents of the Missouri Compromise. Assign roles to students so they can research and represent different historical figures or groups. This active learning approach helps students deepen their understanding of the complexities and perspectives of the era.
Assign roles to students based on historical figures
Have each student or group select or be assigned a key figure or group from the time period, such as Henry Clay or Southern plantation owners. Encourage students to use primary sources to understand their assigned perspective. This fosters empathy and critical thinking.
Guide students to prepare arguments with evidence
Direct students to research and prepare evidence-based arguments supporting their assigned viewpoint. Remind them to include reasons, fears, and proposed solutions using both primary and secondary sources. This step builds strong research and reasoning skills.
Moderate a structured classroom debate
Set up your classroom for a respectful debate. Alternate between proponents and opponents as they present their arguments. Allow rebuttal and cross-examination to encourage active listening and critical analysis.
Facilitate a reflective discussion to synthesize learning
After the debate, lead a class discussion to reflect on the arguments presented. Encourage students to discuss what points were most persuasive or surprising, and how the debate deepened their understanding of the Missouri Compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions about Proponents and Opponents of the Missouri Compromise of 1820
What was the Missouri Compromise of 1820 and why was it important?
The Missouri Compromise of 1820 was a U.S. legislative agreement that allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state and Maine as a free state, maintaining the balance of power. It was important because it temporarily eased tensions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions over the expansion of slavery in new territories.
Who were the main proponents and opponents of the Missouri Compromise?
Proponents included Henry Clay and other legislators who sought to preserve the Union and maintain a balance between free and slave states. Opponents were mainly southern leaders who feared limits on slavery's expansion and some northern abolitionists who opposed the spread of slavery altogether.
How can students compare the viewpoints of supporters and critics of the Missouri Compromise?
Students can use a T-Chart to organize and contrast the arguments of proponents and opponents. This helps visualize reasons for and against the compromise, such as beliefs about states' rights, congressional power, and the expansion of slavery.
What were the main arguments made by those who opposed the Missouri Compromise?
Opponents argued that the compromise gave Congress too much power over slavery, threatened states' rights, and set a troubling precedent. Some feared it would intensify sectional conflict or fail to truly resolve the slavery issue.
What activity helps students understand both the Missouri Compromise and the Kansas-Nebraska Act?
Creating a grid storyboard comparing the proponents and opponents of both the Missouri Compromise and the Kansas-Nebraska Act helps students see how arguments about slavery and states' rights evolved over time.
More Storyboard That Activities
Missouri Compromise of 1820
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
