UnderstandingCongressional Debate

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.

What is Congressional Debate?

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

Types of Legislation & Elements of an Argument

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

When to Use Each Type of Legislation

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.

Things to Consider When Developing Bills