Debate

Student Congress

Permits students to participate in parliamentary debate. Legislation is prepared by the students in advance in the areas of Domestic, Economic, and Foreign Affairs. Students debate the merits of the legislation presented.

Information regarding bills and resolutions for the current year's tournament, including submission guidelines and deadlines, will be posted here in March (approx.).

All ballots, critiques, and procedures are those used at the Grand National Tournament; local leagues may establish variations.

Team Policy Debate

Two person teams using the 8-3-5 switch side format debating issues of policy. The National Resolution is used.

2011-2012 Topic:
Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its exploration and/or development of space beyond the Earth's mesosphere

All ballots, critiques, and procedures are those used at the Grand National Tournament; local leagues may establish variations.

Public Forum Debate

Public Forum Debate is a team event that advocates or rejects aposition posed by the resolution. The focus of the debate is a clash of ideas in a persuasive manner that can be understood by a “lay” judge. Good debaters should display logic and analysis. They should use evidence when needed. They should win their case and refute that of their opponents. They should communicate effectively, using the fundamentals of good speaking. There are no burdens on either side.

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Individual students debating issues of values and philosophy. The NCFL Grand National Resolution is used for this competition only.

The Lincoln-Douglas Debate Topic for the 2011 NCFL Grand National L-D Debate Tournament was "Resolved: The United States has a moral obligation to promote just governance in developing nations."