Homepage Fill in a Valid Missouri Compromise Template
Article Guide

The Missouri Compromise, enacted in 1820, was a significant legislative agreement aimed at addressing the contentious issue of slavery in the expanding United States. This compromise allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state while simultaneously admitting Maine as a free state, thus maintaining a delicate balance between free and slave states. The form associated with the Missouri Compromise includes several key questions that guide students in understanding the implications of this historic agreement. For instance, it prompts inquiry into the rights of the inhabitants of the Missouri Territory who sought statehood, the eligibility criteria for voting and holding office, and the type of government they were required to establish. Furthermore, it addresses the representation Missouri would receive in the House of Representatives until the next census. Importantly, the form also highlights where slavery would be prohibited and outlines the provisions related to fugitive slaves. By exploring these aspects, students can better grasp the complexities of the Missouri Compromise and its impact on the nation during a pivotal time in American history.

Missouri Compromise Preview

The Missouri Compromise and the Nullification Crisis

Student Name ___________________________________________________ Date ________________

The Missouri Compromise (1820):

http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=true&doc=22&page=transcript

Question

Answer

What were the inhabitants of the portion of the Missouri Territory that was petitioning for statehood authorized to do?

Who was eligible to vote and hold office?

What form of government were they required to establish?

How many representatives would they be given in the House of Representatives until the next census could be taken?

Where was slavery “forever prohibited”? What was the provision for fugitive slaves?

Permission is granted to educators to reproduce this worksheet for classroom use

1

The Missouri Compromise and the Nullification Crisis

Student Name ___________________________________________________ Date ________________

The Tariff of 1828: http://memory.loc.gov/cgi- bin/ampage?collId=llsl&fileName=004/llsl004.db&recNum=317

The Tariff of 1832: http://memory.loc.gov/cgi- bin/ampage?collId=llsl&fileName=004/llsl004.db&recNum=630

Question

Answer

List the products that are protected under these two tariff bills.

Map of Slave Crops in the American South: http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~atlas/america/static/map16.html

Question

Answer

List the South’s four major crops, in order of the amount of land devoted to producing them.

Permission is granted to educators to reproduce this worksheet for classroom use

2

Chart showing Occupational Distribution, 1820-1860: http://www.authentichistory.com/images/antebellum/maps_and_charts/1820- 1860_occupations_chart.html

Question

Answer

Which sector of the American economy grew the most between 1820 and 1860?

Permission is granted to educators to reproduce this worksheet for classroom use

3

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Missouri Compromise form, it's important to follow certain guidelines to ensure accuracy and completeness. Here are some things to do and avoid:

  • Do write clearly and legibly to ensure that your answers are easily readable.
  • Do provide complete answers to each question, using full sentences where appropriate.
  • Do double-check your information for accuracy before submitting the form.
  • Do ensure that you include your name and date at the top of the form.
  • Don't leave any questions unanswered; incomplete forms may be rejected.
  • Don't use abbreviations or slang; formal language is preferred.
  • Don't submit the form without reviewing the guidelines provided.
  • Don't forget to keep a copy for your records in case you need to refer to it later.

Key takeaways

Filling out and using the Missouri Compromise form can be straightforward if you keep a few key points in mind. Here are some important takeaways:

  • Ensure to fill in your name and date accurately at the top of the form.
  • Read the provided links carefully to gather all necessary information before answering the questions.
  • Answer each question based on the information from the Missouri Compromise, the Tariff of 1828, and the Tariff of 1832.
  • Be specific when listing the products protected under the tariff bills; clarity is crucial.
  • When detailing the major crops of the South, list them in the correct order of land usage.
  • Understand the significance of the Missouri Compromise in relation to statehood and slavery.
  • Take note of the provision for fugitive slaves as it reflects the tensions of the era.
  • Familiarize yourself with the chart showing occupational distribution; it provides context for economic growth.
  • Double-check your answers for accuracy before submitting the form.
  • Remember that educators have permission to reproduce this worksheet for classroom use, so keep it organized and neat.

Misconceptions

The Missouri Compromise is a significant historical event, but several misconceptions surround it. Here are four common misunderstandings:

  • Misconception 1: The Missouri Compromise permanently resolved the issue of slavery in the United States.
  • In reality, the Missouri Compromise only provided a temporary solution. It established a line to separate free and slave states, but it did not eliminate the underlying tensions regarding slavery. These issues would resurface in subsequent years, leading to further conflicts.

  • Misconception 2: The Missouri Compromise was universally accepted by all states.
  • Not all states agreed with the terms of the Missouri Compromise. While it temporarily eased tensions between the North and South, many people in both regions opposed the compromise. This division highlighted the deep-seated conflicts that would eventually lead to the Civil War.

  • Misconception 3: The Missouri Compromise only affected Missouri and Maine.
  • The Missouri Compromise had broader implications. While it directly admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, it also established a precedent for how new states would be admitted to the Union. This impacted the future balance of power between free and slave states.

  • Misconception 4: The Missouri Compromise was a law passed by Congress.
  • While the Missouri Compromise was an agreement reached by Congress, it was not a formal law. Instead, it was a series of legislative acts that addressed the status of Missouri and other territories. The compromise's informal nature allowed for ongoing debates about slavery and statehood.

Similar forms

The Missouri Compromise is a significant historical document that shares similarities with several other important agreements and legislative acts in U.S. history. Below is a list of seven documents that bear resemblance to the Missouri Compromise in terms of their impact on American governance and society.

  • The Compromise of 1850: This set of laws aimed to resolve disputes over the status of slavery in newly acquired territories following the Mexican-American War. Like the Missouri Compromise, it sought to balance free and slave states but ultimately led to heightened tensions.
  • The Kansas-Nebraska Act (1854): This act allowed territories to decide for themselves whether to allow slavery through popular sovereignty. It mirrored the Missouri Compromise's approach to territorial governance but resulted in violent conflict known as "Bleeding Kansas."
  • The Wilmot Proviso (1846): Proposed to ban slavery in territories acquired from Mexico, this legislative proposal sparked debates similar to those surrounding the Missouri Compromise. Both documents reflect the contentious nature of slavery in American politics.
  • The Articles of Confederation (1781): While primarily a framework for governance, this document established rules for statehood and representation that resonate with the governance structure outlined in the Missouri Compromise.
  • The Emancipation Proclamation (1863): Although focused on the abolition of slavery, it shares a thematic connection with the Missouri Compromise in its attempts to address the issue of slavery within the United States, albeit in a different context.
  • The Civil Rights Act of 1964: This landmark legislation aimed to end discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It parallels the Missouri Compromise's attempts to address social justice issues, albeit in a much later era.
  • The Voting Rights Act of 1965: This act sought to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans, echoing the Missouri Compromise's provisions regarding voting rights and representation for new states.