My Allegiance is to this Union: Henry Clay, Political Compromise, and Integrity
45 min
Walk-In-The-Shoes Questions
As you read, imagine you are the protagonist.
- What challenges are you facing?
- What fears or concerns might you have?
- What may prevent you from acting in the way you ought?
Observation Questions
- What was Henry Clay’s nickname in Congress? How does this reflect his identity?
- How did Henry Clay’s reputation in Congress affect his purpose?
- How were Henry Clay’s actions consistent with the principle of integrity?
Discussion Questions
Discuss the following questions with your students.
- What is the historical context of the narrative?
- What historical circumstances presented a challenge to the protagonist?
- How and why did the individual exhibit a moral and/or civic virtue in facing and overcoming the challenge?
- How did the exercise of the virtue benefit civil society?
- How might exercise of the virtue benefit the protagonist?
- What might the exercise of the virtue cost the protagonist?
- Would you react the same under similar circumstances? Why or why not?
- How can you act similarly in your own life? What obstacles must you overcome in order to do so?
- Students will analyze Henry Clay’s actions in Congress
- Students will understand how acting with integrity can shape their purpose
- Students will apply this knowledge to better act with integrity in their own lives