The “gag rule” was designed to eliminate the voice of which group in congress?

I believe its the people who wanted to abolish slavery in 1838. But if your looking for who came up with it, it would be the group of pro-slavery House Members introduced the “gag rule” to prohibit consideration of these petitions.

the respondent is the party against whom a petition is filed

the correct answer is:

b) a rich merchant.