Tuesday, Mar. 23, 2010
The Gag Rules, 1844
John Quincy Adams didn't become a Congressman from Massachusetts following his one term as President just to keep a seat warm. For nearly a decade beginning in 1836, Adams fought intensely to repeal "gag rules" that prohibited antislavery petitions from even being received in the House. "I hold the resolution to be a direct violation of the Constitution of the United States, of the rules of this House, and of the rights of my constituents," he'd proclaimed, infuriating lawmakers who wanted to avoid the divisive issue of slavery altogether. Despite attempts by his colleagues to censure him, Adams persisted, and the rule was repealed in 1844.