Policy Debate: A Foundational Guide

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What is policy debate?

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Policy debate is a team-based competitive debate focusing on a resolution advocating for change in domestic or foreign policy.

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Who participates in policy debate?

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Two teams of two debaters each—Affirmative and Negative—argue the pros and cons of the resolution.

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What is the objective of the Affirmative team in policy debate?

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The Affirmative must prove that the proposed policy should be adopted.

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What is the objective of the Negative team in policy debate?

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The Negative aims to refute the proposed policy.

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What skills does policy debate help develop?

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Policy debate helps develop research, reasoning, and rhetorical skills.

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How many speeches are in a policy debate round?

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Each debate consists of eight speeches: four constructives and four rebuttals.

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What is the purpose of cross-examination in policy debate?

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Cross-examination is used to clarify arguments, identify weaknesses, and set up strategic points for later speeches.

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What are constructive speeches in policy debate?

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Constructive speeches present the core arguments, with the Affirmative introducing the case and the Negative constructing counter-arguments.

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What are rebuttal speeches in policy debate?

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Rebuttal speeches focus on refuting opposing arguments, reinforcing one’s own, and summarizing the debate.

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What is the burden of proof for the Affirmative team?

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The Affirmative must prove the resolution is desirable and feasible, establishing why change is needed.