During the 1830s, abolitionist groups increasingly sent Congress petitions calling for restrictions on the institution of slavery. Irate Southern members of the House of Representatives passed a rule that forced the House of Representatives to immediately table such resolutions without discussion. This became known as the “Gag Rule”. Former President and now Representative from Massachusetts, John Quincy Adams, argued forcefully against this rule. Why did Adams fight against this so called “Gag Rule,” and what arguments did he use to help overturn it?