Debate 1 & 2

 Congressional Debate is a mock legislative assembly competition where students draft bills (proposed laws) and resolutions (position statements), which they and their peers later debate and vote to pass into law.  Students prepare arguments for and against the various bills, resolutions, and amendments.  Arguments take the form of detailed outlines that will allow for extemporaneous delivery. Debaters will use logic, evidence, and rhetoric to support or oppose the various legislation.

 Congressional Debate involves three types of legislation: ◦ Bills, ◦ Resolutions, and ◦ Amendments to the Constitution.  Each argument must contain the following elements: ◦ Claim ◦ Data ◦ Warrant ◦ Impact

 Bill: Use when proposing something that will become law and that is within the bounds of the powers given to Congress under the Constitution. ◦ A Bill to Increase Federal Income Taxes for the Highest Tax Brackets  Resolution Use when proposing something that will express Congress’s opinion on passage but not carry any binding force. It need not be within Congress’s designated powers. ◦ A Resolution to Condemn the Government of Myanmar  Constitutional Amendment Use when proposing something that will alter the text of the Constitution upon passage and ratification by the states. ◦ A Resolution to Amend the Constitution to Mandate Equal Rights for Women

 Constitutionality – has the Supreme Court has already ruled on the constitutionality of the proposal?  Funding – how will you obtain funding?  Enforcement – Sufficient penalties must be established and the correct enforcement agencies need to be selected.