Counterplans Debate Central Workshop August 30, 2008

What Is a Counterplan? Affirmative case is based on challenging the status quo (SQ). Negative generally defends the SQ but has the option to present a counterplan (CP) Counterplan is a policy option offered by the Negative that is Not the status quo, and Not the Affirmative Plan. Or Counterplan is an opportunity cost of the affirmative.

Elements of a Counterplan 1. Text 2. Topicality 3. Competition 4. Status

Elements of a Counterplan  Counterplan Text formal language, be precise! formal language, be precise! similar to Aff plan. similar to Aff plan. should not change once you read it should not change once you read it Has fiat power, similar to affirmative plan (debatable) Has fiat power, similar to affirmative plan (debatable)

Elements of a Counterplan  Topicality Differing schools of thought on this Differing schools of thought on this CP might need to be non-topical (Aff = resolution) CP might need to be non-topical (Aff = resolution) CP might not need to take a stance (competition is key) CP might not need to take a stance (competition is key) Judge is key. Attempt to know and adapt Judge is key. Attempt to know and adapt

Elements of a Counterplan  Competition: explains why is it a forced choice between the Affirmative Plan and the Negative Counterplan  Major Types of Competition Mutually Exclusive Mutually Exclusive Net Benefits Net Benefits Philosophical – no longer used Philosophical – no longer used

Competition & Net Benefits  Competition is THE CRUCIAL ELEMENT. A counterplan is useless unless it competes with the Aff plan.  Most counterplans compete via Net Benefits. So the Negative must win (a) the Affirmative plan links to some offensive arguments, such as a Disadvantage, and (b) the counterplan does NOT link to that offensive argument.  Many counterplans seek to solve the Aff case harms through a slightly different mechanism.  Many Counterplans might seem to be mutually exclusive but actually are not.

ME or NB?  Example: Daniel gets married Status Quo: Daniel is Single. Status Quo: Daniel is Single. Aff plan: Daniel should marry Catherine. Aff plan: Daniel should marry Catherine. Advantage 1: Daniel is single and lonely. Marriage to Catherine sovlesAdvantage 1: Daniel is single and lonely. Marriage to Catherine sovles Advantage 2: Catherine is interesting and smart and funAdvantage 2: Catherine is interesting and smart and fun Negative counterplan: Daniel should marry Sarah Negative counterplan: Daniel should marry Sarah Net Benefit: Sarah is wealthy. They will share that wealthNet Benefit: Sarah is wealthy. They will share that wealth Advantage 1: Counterplan also solves Daniel’s lonelinessAdvantage 1: Counterplan also solves Daniel’s loneliness Advantage 2: Sarah is also interesting, smart, and funAdvantage 2: Sarah is also interesting, smart, and fun Mutually Exclusive or Net Benefits? Mutually Exclusive or Net Benefits?

ME or NB?  Answer: Net Benefits  Think outside the box.  Marriage might appear to mutually exclusive.  Marry both Catherine and Sarah! Move to Saudi Arab where multiple wives in legalMove to Saudi Arab where multiple wives in legal Marry both in the U.S. and attempt to avoid bigamy chargesMarry both in the U.S. and attempt to avoid bigamy charges Marry in the “eyes of God” but not legally married according to the stateMarry in the “eyes of God” but not legally married according to the state

Counterplans – Energy topic  Many Many Various Counterplans  PICs – Plan Inclusive Counterplans RPS without wind power, without hydropower RPS without wind power, without hydropower  Uniqueness Ban Nuclear Power Ban Nuclear Power  Advantage Oil Drilling to Solve Oil Prices Oil Drilling to Solve Oil Prices  Agent States States Executive Order Executive Order Foreign Governments Foreign Governments

AFF Answers to CP  S.P.O.T. Solvency Solvency Permuation Permuation Offense Offense Theory Theory

CX Always ask the status of the Counterplan Always the first question