1. Lincoln/Douglas Debate History and Structure "A man never tells you anything until you contradict him." -George Bernard Shaw

4. Lincoln/Douglas Debates of 1858 The 1858 election campaign for U.S. Senate for state of Illinois Stephen A. Douglas against a then unknown Abraham Lincoln Lincoln accepted the nomination with the famous lines: “A house divided against itself cannot stand.' I believe this Government cannot endure permanently half-slave and half-free."

5. Lincoln/Douglas Debates of 1858 cont’d They participated in 7 debates, 3 hours apiece, in 7 different cities in Illinois People came from all over the state to watch them debate in crowds of nearly 15,000 Lincoln and Douglas presented sharply opposing viewpoints on the issue of slavery and the legal rights of blacks This issue addressed a problem that was dividing the nation and threatening the continued existence of the Union Douglas won the Senate position, but Lincoln went on to win the presidency in 1860.

8. Lincoln/Douglas Debate Structure This style of debate has two sides. The side which favors the proposition is called the Affirmative position, and the side that opposes the proposition is called the Negative position. This style is very reliant on time and good behavior/manners.

10. Lincoln/Douglas Debate Affirmative position debater presents constructive debate points. (6 minutes) Negative position debater cross-examines affirmative points. (3 minutes) Negative position presents constructive debate points. (7 minutes) Affirmative position cross-examines negative points. (3 minutes) Affirmative position offers first rebuttal (4 minutes) Negative position offers first rebuttal (6 minutes) Affirmative position offers second rebuttal (3 minutes)

11. Congressional Debate Structure # Introduction (15-30 sec.) * Attention Getter * Purpose ("I rise to the affirmative/stand negative on the bill or resolution...") * Preview ("for the following reasons") # Body (2 Minutes) * Clash! o State issues on the floor o State points in conflict o Prove your point with evidence including the source and date of publication, add the credentials of the source o logic- explain why this evidence reinforces your point and your side o Tell the assembly the impact of your point and how it should affect their vote * Present a Challenge to the Opposition. # Conclusion (30 sec.) * Summarize key points of clash. * Summarize key points. * Come full circle. # Open yourself for cross-examination and clarification. ("I am now open for cross- examination and points of further clarification.")