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Politics Debate Topics for Students — page 9

2,667 debate topics, students. Debatable motions with arguments for and against. Open the arguments below, pick one at random, or present them full-screen.

StudentsDebatePage 9 of 54
  1. 401.

    The United States should eliminate its nuclear ICBM force

    For

    • == Rebuttal == (1) Con's sole contention is that removing one of the wheels of the triad would weaken the triad considerably. This is objectively false, as demonstrated under my C3. The only purposes of the triad are deterrence and second-strike capability, for both of which…
    • Here are the arguments I extend -- 1. The ICBM force runs on outdated technology and has severe security lapses, that open the gates to nuclear terrorism. 2. The triad budget is very high. It's seriously outdated and needs renovation, and the renovation would cost up to $1…

    Against

    • One should not get confused between weapons and weapon launching platforms. If a nation has decided to strategically use Nuclear weapons for its defence, then it will be imperative for it to construct and maintain appropriate launching platforms. For a country like the USA,…
    • I accept. I will be against the motion "The USFG should eliminate its nuclear-armed ICBM force".I am looking forward for a good debate.
  2. 402.

    Extra votes should be given to poorer citizens

    For

    • The poor deserve it. Not for just the fact that they are poor, but that they know the circumstances of an area better than the "wealthier" people do. They will give the government "goals" to achieve with the poor.The opposition might state that just because they are poor,…
    • I think our views are completely different here, obviously. I live in South Africa, a place full of unemployment, poverty, should i go on ? I think we can all agree that the poor can vote, and they should.Why shouldn't a person's thoughts be taken into account? Just because he…

    Against

    • I will suit my points to yours for better understanding then. You make good points. I did not say that poor can't vote, as I stated in my previous argument, I actually encourage them to vote, but the reality is, they don't even know what's going on in the country. Their stuck…
    • There's one problem for poor people. They don't have enough money. Money plays a big role. From politics to survival, its essential for everyone to own money. Ladies gentlemen, poor people should vote. Its called being a responsible citizen. But they shouldn't be given extra…
  3. 403.

    Federal states are better than unitary states

    For

    • Nationally homogenous states are rare and most states have local differences
    • Federal states are economically stronger

    Against

    • Federal governments often extend their powers and usurp local authority, especially if one or more federal units are disproportionately powerful.
    • It is harder to deal with internal repression than the invasion of another sovereign state.
  4. 404.

    The Republican Party rests on ideologically shaky ground

    For

    • RebuttalR6) I ask the audience when elaborating CON's "case" to ask themselves one question: What does ANY of CON's argument have to do with the resolution? CON has yet to actually argue this debate, and it is now closing statements.I do not refute CON's history lesson. Rather…
    • RebuttalR1) While interesting, I move to dismiss CON's history lesson and charts.- Do we need to know whether or not the GOP was formerly the Whig party, or that it changed ideologies in the past? No. - What does a chart with impenetrable terms like "democratism" and "monarchal…

    Against

    • History of the Republican Party I have already addressed what the history has to do with the resolution. If Pro would read my entire arguments, his questions would be answered. Pro has chosen to dismiss my arguments, rather than address them; if he would actually bother to read…
    • History of the Republican Party Because Pro could not refute the history of the Republican Party he moved to dismiss it. Movement denied. The Republican Party's core ideologies have not changed; they still promote the sovereignty of the people, and rule of law. What have…
  5. 405.

    The US should extend the Mexico border fence along the Gulf coast to Florida

    For

    • I will be arguing that the US should Jettison the state of Florida out of the union and then subsequently build a border wall along the US-Florida border to stop the influx of crazy that illegally pours into the United States from Florida First round acceptance only. 4000…
    • 1) Lebron James"We mere mortals of course, being humble subjects to the goddess Nike and King James's Bible, are "Witnesses" to one of the greatest circle-jerks in American history, and it"s about time we all hop aboard the bandwagon express to Miami so that we might all…

    Against

    • Everlasting? Please..... The trio will come to an end when some racist mexican stalks and shoots one of them and then claim it was self defense, everyone knows that. Heresy much? You ask most Americans right now who the President is, and most will say it's LeBron. Everyone who…
    • I don"t about you sir, but I for one plan on retiring on a Florida beach resort, next to one of those fancy PGA golf courses that have aligators of course. But here are my arguments for why we all ought to live in Florida and why the government ought to build a wall around the…
  6. 406.

    The US federal government should increase social services for people in poverty

    For

    • Social service programs have proven to be successful to keep persons in poverty from starving and suffering. The more of them the government initiates, the less crime there will be, and the positive effects outnumber the negatives.
    • We need social services to keep people from dying or suffering in the US.

    Against

    • Sover
    • And dey doez az dey iz
  7. 407.

    Nuclear weapons should not be abolished even if possible

    For

    • "The following exception(s) occurred: Your argument cannot be in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. Please keep your argument clean and easy to read." Apparently ... is considered all capital letters.
    • My opponent was unable to post their most recent argument due to homework. All voters please excuse the con's forfeit of round 3. Do not let it have an impact on your votes.

    Against

    • I concede the debate. You win.
    • Thanks to Pro for his argument. The resolution basically states that if we are given the opportunity to eliminate every nuclear weapon in existence, we shouldn't take it. I will use this round to present a brief case against that proposition (i.e. show that we *should* take the…
  8. 408.

    The United States should withdraw its forces from South Korea

    For

    • CP- Not severance, theres no part of my plan that im severing out of. Secondly, im not extra topical, the resolution calls for a plan in which after it is carried out there will no longer be troops in south korea and thats presicely what my plan and perm do. The CP is plan plus…
    • On all arguments, no evidence,(only author/year) i assume they are analytics Topicality- 1. We meet, we reduce the USFK which is all troops 2. The resolution says nothing about turkey, it says the USFG should withdraw the USFK which is in South Korea, not turkey 3. There is…

    Against

    • Kick T Cp- On the perm, Perm severance- You can't do both the cp and the plan. To do the cp makes the Aff extra-topical, extra topicality destroys neg ground and not only is against the rues, but makes the aff a moving target. This destroys clash and makes debate unfair. Skfta-…
    • 3 off, 1on t-prescence A. Interpretation - Presence is limited to troops. The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military, 2001, Oxford Reference Online presence n.a group of people, especially soldiers or police, stationed in a particular place: maintain a presence in the…
  9. 409.

    High-ranking military officers should have veto power over security decisions

    For

    • During times of emergency and unrest( the paradigm of this debate), it would be a rather lengthy and tedious process to consider the opinion of ministers, or those concerned with the task of getting themselves involved in arriving at such decisions, by which time, the ship of…

    Against

    • My opponent has forfeited this entire debate. The only round in which any attempt at making an argument was made would be Round 1, so that is the round I will respond to. This is where I would break down my opponents arguments and provide rebuttals, but after reading it…
    • Yeah, was gonna start in this round - but I want to hit the hay for the night and only have 10 hours left before the round ends. Not gonna forfeit. Let's see if she posts for at-least one round.
  10. 410.

    Foreign powers should intervene in regional conflicts

    For

    • Last extend.
    • Extend.

    Against

    • Greed has influenced man to exploit the name of imposing rules and morality, for his personal greed and benefit. Taking the argument of the respected contender, many countries have gone into battle with regional participants and in the end brought more problems to themselves.…
    • In the world, we have been faced with a lot of conflicts in areas around the world. Many of these conflicts have been caused because of interventions by large powers into the affairs of smaller countries. Countries and societies have been destroyed by foreign invaders who…
  11. 411.

    German prosecutors should investigate NSA surveillance of Angela Merkel

    For

    • No chance of an agreement with the USA
    • Doing nothing makes Merkel and Germany look weak

    Against

    • Investigating a sideshow
    • Damages US-German relations
  12. 412.

    The United States should use hard power to stop countries acquiring nuclear weapons

    For

    • My Points 1. Protection of Citizens "When people begin to give up their rights in order to be protected by the government we will have a huge problem." -When people give up all their rights to be protected their is a problem. But the government CANNOT protect it's citizens…
    • The United States should be allowed the use of hard power to stop countries from gaining nuclear weapons because: protection of citizens Why it's effective protection of global reputation hard power: the use of military force or threats soft power: the use of peace talks…

    Against

    • The United States should not use "hard power" in order to stop countries from gaining nuclear weapons. I'll now refute your points... 1. Protection of Citizens. - The motto of the American Revolution was "Give me liberty or give me death," not "Give me life, and take away my…
    • Alright, on to each statement. 2. If you read through your source all the way, you would have seen this... "But the secretary of the Iran's national security council, Ali Larijani, who has headed Iran's nuclear talks since August, said at the demonstration that the news media…
  13. 413.

    China's one-child policy was the right choice

    For

    • So far in the debate, DiggyDawg has provided close to nothing to refute my previous points. Moreover, where he does make claims against my arguments, he fails to back them up with any facts. Furthermore, he uses words like "believe" or "perhaps", suggesting to me that many of…
    • The One Child Policy was introduced in 1978 with the main purpose of controlling the growth of the Chinese population. Although it is an old policy, it continues to be a very controversial topic even to this day. The supporting side of this policy generally sees it as a…

    Against

    • 1. What is popular is not always right. Perhaps we could allow more children, under certain circumstances. 2. Chinese people could move out into the country, allowing for more room. But that is up to them. 3. I believe there is a demand for things such as doctors. 4. A higher…
  14. 414.

    International intervention should be used against state human rights abuses

    For

    • Many thanks to Bsh1 for what I think will probably be a very enteratining debate, and to all judges who may read this. This debate's purpose is to advocate, on a conceptual level, for international humanitarian military intervention's justification (1) in response to state…
    • Resolved: If international military intervention is a likely viable means to ameliorate human rights abuses by state actors, and intervention as such is in the intervening state's best interest, international military intervention is a justifiable. 4 rounds One Month Voting…

    Against

    • Thanks again to YYW for initiating this debate! I will use this round to present my own arguments. I will rebut Pro in later rounds. Please note that this debate, as set out by Pro, is about military interventions with humanitarian components. But, the type of intervention used…
    • I thank YYW for challenging me to this debate. It should be fun. In this round, I shall simply say make a quick word regarding the BOP and sources. BOP YYW wrote: "PRO's Burden of proof is to argue as a general principle that whenever (1) international military intervention is…
  15. 415.

    All nuclear weapons should be banned

    For

    • Our nuclear weapons would kill more then just there target I have three questions for my opponent What about the danger of the human race? Do you realize these weapons can end up in terrorist"s hands? Do you realize that radiation will cause long term effects on people"s…
    • Nuclear weapons kill indiscriminately. There have never been weapons like these. They are not for fighting the enemy in the traditional sense. They are for wiping out the populations of countries. There are no other weapons that can kill hundreds of millions of people in a few…

    Against

    • In conclusion, banning of nuclear weapons even if successful would cause more death and destruction than leaving them exist. On top of that, it would be near impossible for the abolishment to be successful. Such a failure to abolish would only leave rogue groups have them and…
    • Answer to my opponent's four questions. "What about the danger of the human race?" The human race cannot be wiped out by nuclear weapons thus I would find the danger they pose to existence of the race zero. "Do you realize these weapons can end up in terrorist"s hands?" I…
  16. 416.

    Japan should be allowed to develop nuclear weapons

    For

    • 1 japan should rearm better stratgic alliance in asia us doesnt spread its self so thin 2 japan can deter north korea and china from nuclear esclation 3 us can focus on more vital areas in world politics 4 japan is at the least risk to strike against us im kinda new good luck…
    • 1: my opponet makes style and personal attacks in the rebuttle he just gave he only proves that the US is not fit to control baese if we act the way he did 2: he took my first arguement in the secound rebuttal wrong what i was saying is that military action doesnt make a…

    Against

    • Dude this is sloppy make your stuff more spaced out and copy and paste the points your attacking because this is a confusing mess to read I gave you a pointer lol. Anyway Your case::: 1: my opponent makes style and personal attacks in the rebuttal he just gave he only proves…
    • "ok so 1. by my opponets logic we should have been nuked by brittan cause we beat them but we have an alliance with them now huh thats odd aint it.." Ok for one i hate people who try to be smart secondly we are not talking about British we are talking about Japan, seeing how i…
  17. 417.

    The press could compromise the government's ability to protect the US

    For

    • Sorry man, I meant no disrespect to you. I appreciate that you accepted this challenge, and I think you grasped the concept of the topic quite well (unlike some of those commenting). As one of the comments pointed out before I had a chance to, I felt that you conceded in the…
    • I frequently read articles like the recent Blog Network article: "U.S. Spies Want to Find Terrorists in World of Warcraft" By Ryan Singel [February 22, 2008, 2:15:43PM]; <http://blog.wired.com...; which report to the world, terrorists and all, known or suspected methods of our…

    Against

    • "I would disagree with the government having the ability to silence the media" Unlike some Ron Paul supporters will have you believe (no offense), the government DOES NOT have the ability to silence the media. That's why we have the media, so that we can all know what's going…
    • Ok you forfeit. If you're here next round please address my argument. 100 characters, 14 more, 7 more.
  18. 418.

    Organized political lobbying in the United States does more harm than good

    For

    • In my case, I have never stated that lobbying is universally bad, only in most cases, it does more harm than good, as clearly stated from all the negative aspects of lobbying in all of my contentions. Then, looking back to my first contention, my opponent does not address the…
    • According to Daniel Mitchel "O be sure, lobbyists aren't the easiest group of people to defend. Many are for sale to the highest bidder -- willing to advocate a certain position one year, then urging the opposite position the following year simply because a client with more…

    Against

    • Pro has forfeited. Please extend my previous arguments which justify a full vote for Con. Thank you.
    • My opponent has forfeited his round. Please extend all my previous arguments. In addition to responding to those arguments, should my opponent wish to rejoin the argument in the next round, he will need to argue why the forfeit should not count as dropping all arguments and…
  19. 419.

    The US should end its economic sanctions on Cuba

    For

    • Sanctions against Cuba are not democratically supported in America
    • US-Cuba sanctions exist only to appease Republicans in Florida

    Against

    • Cubans aren't fooled by their regime's attempts to blame sanctions for failures.
    • Cuba has failed to stop drug shipments through its waters.
  20. 420.

    The UN should prioritize poverty reduction over environmental protection

    For

    • we will just do this debate on the 3rd round
    • no 3... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dom Helda Camara said "When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why poor have no food, they call me a…

    Against

    • While my opponent said environmental factors are merely hypothetical, were you aware over 300,000 people were killed in the 2006 tsunami? Environmental factors such as earthquakes, tsunamis, tornados, and fires kill hundereds everyday. We should not only help the world, bu help…
    • I will spend this round presenting my argument, and the next refuting my opponent. ================================================================================================================ I stand in firm negation of the resolution that "when in conflict, the United…
  21. 421.

    The United States should be involved in Middle East peace efforts

    For

    • I will start by rebutting my opponent's claims... My opponent stands by her claim that since America treats some of its ethnic minorities unfairly, we have no place in this world to promote justice and equality. However, simply because we have problems doesn't mean we have no…
    • All arguments extended.

    Against

    • Thank you again for your response. I also am enjoying the debate… You have stated that since 1865 no one has been subjected to slavery and that Native Americans today are not subject to losing their lands. The Civil War ended the legal use of slavery. One law, one piece of…
    • Thank you for your response – I will now reply to your claims. You have stated that America has a place in the world to ensure that people throughout the world are treated with dignity. We fought Hitler for this reason. We 'saved' the Kurds. America has, from 1492 until this…
  22. 422.

    China is a democracy

    For

    • High Approval Rating CountsIn a country without elections such as an absolute monarchy obviously even a high approval rating wouldn't make it a democracy. However, a country which has elections such as China having a high approval rating suggests that people feel they are…
    • Articles Smack of BiasBy and large these articles will judge China as authoritarian because of the influence of the Communist Party. However, as I have pointed out and sourced in a previous round China's regime has a high approval rating. The Chinese people approve of the…

    Against

    • Re: High approval ratingsHowever, the higher up levels of government are voted on by the lower tier. I would argue that as you go higher up, the less likely the people are represented properly. After all, only the majority of people will have people elected at the lowest level…
    • Scientific articlesI reject the idea that because the people approve of the government, that the government is democratic. This is flawed, because suppose a country like Nazi Germany had a high approval rating for its government. We would all agree(I think) that Nazi Germany…
  23. 423.

    Corruption is a tax on the rich that does not affect the poor

    For

    • Yes I thought about that after I had posted it, so we will discuss the Poor becoming corrupt no more. True it isn't all money, but don't the corrupt need others to survive? One corrupt man really couldn't do anything on his own, so it is in everyone's best interest to allow all…
    • You make a great point sdeora, however I disagree on many points. 1. "u say that d poor don't have enough money to bribe and thus they are not affected" I did not state that, if you look back it says basically the poor have a much harder path into becoming corrupt then do the…

    Against

    • "poor have a much harder path into becoming corrupt" we are discussing how corruption affects the poor and not how they have aharder path into becoming corrupt due to lack of money. corruption needs to be minimised so that it DOES NOT afect the poor at all.....the rich have an…
    • i certinally disagree on that.....u say that d poor don't have enough money to bribe and thus they are not affected...but hey..take a look at their condition this way... there's some flood-affected area...n funds from all over the country are collected for the people's…
  24. 424.

    Transparency is necessary for security

    For

    • Transparency helps reduce international tension
    • Citizens have a right to know what is done in their name

    Against

    • Provides information to competitors
    • In security too much transparency endangers lives
  25. 425.

    The monarchy should be abolished in the UK

    For

    • Thank you wolfhaines for your reply. You say that the monarchy costs the UK nothing but then why does it say in my BBC source that the royal family cost the taxpayer �40 000 000 in 2008 {http://news.bbc.co.uk...}. Secondly from your argument I now understand that the monarchy…
    • The title is self explanatory. I will be arguing that the monarchy is a burden to the UK and that the monarchy should be abolished and 99% of its wealth should be given to the treasury. Reasons: The monarchy is a waste of taxpayers money. in 2008 the royal family cost the…

    Against

    • I will therefore keep this last round brief. The 3 arguments my opponent put forward were: 1) The monarchy costs the taxpayers money. 2) The treasury would benefit from the abolition of the monarchy. 3) The monarchy has no place in 'modern' British society. I disproved all…
    • Perhaps you did not understand my first point in Round One, so I shall explain it again. The Crown Estates gives all of its surplus to the treasury (�256million), in return the treasury gives the royal family what it needs (�40million), so the taxpayers are in profit by…
  26. 426.

    Democracy is not the best system of government

    For

    • Okay, let's put this baby to bed!
    • One more...

    Against

    • I am against democracy. I don't believe every person should get one vote and that majority rules the minority. It may be the best we have, but it is very much flawed. When I try to make a smart decision such as where to eat, I do not ask 9 people and than let the majority…
  27. 427.

    The United States should guarantee a right to housing

    For

    • I accept your argument, RonPaulConservative. First, allow me to point out one unrelated thing. I did not vote for Bernie Sanders in the 2016 election. This debate is the same resolution as the March/April Lincoln Douglas Debate Resolution for the National Speech and Debate…
    • Round 1. Acceptance Round 2. AC/NC Round 3. AR/NR Round 4. No new arguments, Voters for debate. I affirm Resolved: The United States ought to guarantee the right to housing.

    Against

    • Last I checked, natural rights consist only in Life, Liberty, Property, and Self-ownsership- nowhere in the costitution does it ensure free housing, and even if it did- the natural state of a human is not to live in a house, but to live in a hovel or cave. This mens that a…
    • Ugh- another Bernie Voter let's get this nightmare on the road I guess.
  28. 428.

    Elected officials should be drawn from the middle class

    For

    • This, ladies and gentlemen, is why you should vote in my favor. Do you want to vote for someone who cannot keep up a debate?
    • The Bush family made approximately $720,000 in 2007, yet President Bush, who is supposed to be a role model for the future leaders of our country, only donated around $100,000 to charities and other organizations. And this is the LEADER of our country? The man we want our…

    Against

    • And And + I agree. We do need a plan that can help us in the long run economically. but that's exactly what we need. The president or Congress being middle class wont help them think of a plan. They need a good plan that will help in the long term. If they were middle class,…
    • First off I'd like to conceed the fact that George Bush is a complete idiot who has driven the country into a huge hole within 8 years, which has got to be some record. The fact that George Bush is a horrible president is just simply undebateable. But the fact is that you don't…
  29. 429.

    Brexit was a mistake for the United Kingdom

    For

    • Con's Case: Con more or less dropped all of his arguments, and due to a lack of response, conceded to my rebuttals. In reference to his opening arguments, Con only made reference to the fact that it is common knowledge that the EU constitution is much longer than the American…
    • Outline: When considering whether a policy is a "mistake," everything should be accounted for and if a policy will bring more bad than good, it should be considered a mistake. In other words, neither Con nor I need to show that Brexit is completely good or bad either way for…

    Against

    • My opponents debate technique is awful. I posted so much evidence and even gave sources to the evidence...I'm not even going to debate you from your last post since you only bashed the integrity of my information which is clearly there, well stated, and that has proof given…
    • I am sorry for my lack of evidence. That was my mistake. Perhaps I thought that there would be a general knowledge to be able to look up the United States Constitution as well as the EU's constitution as they are well known documents. As for you saying I have conceded to this…
  30. 430.

    Europe should become a federal state

    For

    • A federal Europe will protect the cultural diversity of its member states
    • A federal Europe will ensure that large, multinational businesses remain accountable for their actions

    Against

    • Moves toward federalism will endanger the stability of the EU
    • Subsidiarity will deal with regional identities' problem
  31. 431.

    Life would be worse without government

    For

    • Without government life would be horrible for one there would be: 1. Choas 2. Murderers walking free without law 3. There would be no freedom' 4. Civilization would fall down 5. There would be no order 6. People would be doing anything and everything 7. A lot of panic would be…

    Against

    • Uhh... so he forfeited again, and so... If I were you, I would vote for me, at least in the manners thing. (I forget the actual word it uses) since it is very inconsiderate starting a debate that you never intend to finish. :(
    • Since Pro forfeited, I'll just wait. :) I don't want to be unfair or anything.
  32. 432.

    The US government should cut military spending

    For

    • Yes, we do need to make a point. But we have a different threat at hand. They are a new threat, one that we haven't seen before. Our military is equipped to fight organized militaries. They are not organized, so we do bombings which are ineffective. On top of that, if we do…
    • Claiming that we will all die is a huge exaggeration. In 2015 we had a military budget of 598.5 million dollars. China, the second biggest military is 5x smaller. Saudi Arabia is about 10x smaller. Regarding nuclear power, we have thousands more than China. I assure you with…

    Against

    • Launching 2,000 nuclear weapons would destroy the planet- we can only fight these maniacs with conventional weaponry- tanks, guns, carpet bombing, etc. These guys have made it abundantly clear that they want war, so wew need to make it abundanbtly clear to them that we are…
    • The US should not cut military spending because we are at war with the Muslims. Infact we need to tripple military spending because if we don't, we are ALL gonna die.
  33. 433.

    The US military budget should not be reduced

    For

    • The United States and Russia are often seen as two very old adversaries. But, today the Russian military operates nearly 4 times as many tanks as the United States. Is this an excessive number? No. Why? Because Russia is a very large land based country, and they require a…
    • The defense budget primarily boils down to 2 things we must consider -What we need -What we can afford In round 2 i argued what the United States needed. I will now hope to prove that our current defense budget is affordable, and even reasonable given the size of the US…

    Against

    • In the prior rounds, I have shown that the US military is over-equipped for what it needs to protect our interests. My evidence has not only been the statistics on other country's militaries, but also how big the military needs to be to protect its interests considering a…
    • While I agree that the US can afford to have such a large military, that does not mean the military needs such a large budget. One hundred billion too much is still one hundred billion too much whether it is .01% or 10% of one"s GDP. It can be used to more effective ends. Just…
  34. 434.

    Unverified rumours about politicians should not be reported

    For

    • Alcoholism is a disease, if the story was that the president had measles, it wouldn't have got a mention.
    • The journalist in question failed to produce any evidence that this affected Calderón's job performance.

    Against

    • Even accusations affects reputations and therefore ability to do the job
    • The protest by the opposition was a news story in its own right.
  35. 435.

    Public policy should be decided by national referendums

    For

    • I don't think you can say that the people lobbying for one side or another during the Brexit referendum weren't held accountable. The day after the vote there was a mob of angry Brits out in front of Boris Johnsons house and he was on the winning side of the vote but it didn't…
    • Minorities don't vote as a monolith. You said 62% voted remain that means 38% voted to leave. Everyone's vote counted equally and at the end of the day leave won. The rest of your argument seems to be against David Cameron and Brexit. Just because you disagree with the results…

    Against

    • The affirmative makes a couple of fatal flaws in his last round. Let's start by addressing them all.First, my oppenet only makes one argument for the affirmation. He says that referendums are needed for when the government does not have the courage to act. Recognize that this…
    • I would say that for the merits of debate, we shouldn't argue that every policy choice is made via referendum, only the major ones. With that, I will begin with the negative case.===Observation: For the educational merits of debate, we should look to the most likely form of a…
  36. 436.

    The United States should abolish the Electoral College

    For

    • Thanks. Well, smorfy, to answer your first question regarding the balance of population: not necessarily. The most recent census data is from 2010. According to it, America's population is 324,420,000, therefore a majority of the population would be any number greater than…
    • The United States was a nation founded in opposition to tyranny. The people who founded United States did so to remove and protect themselves from tyranny. Tyranny comes in all shapes and sizes and one of the first books I read of my own accord - not because my parents or…

    Against

    • I absolutely loved some of your arguments, but surely all the people of the U.S. outside of the major population centers combined are, at the very least, the same amount as people inside the major population centers. Also, how does giving a set amount of votes to each state…
    • The electoral college is not good for our country. It keeps the people from choosing who they want in government roles. Many election results would be different if we substituted popular vote for the electoral college. The electoral college stifles democracy. According to Noam…
  37. 437.

    The UK should become a federal republic

    For

    • Argument 1: It would help to end seperatists movements in the British IslesCurrently, the United Kingdom is a centralized government that controls the regions of Scotland, Wales, and North Ireland. While each region is culturally, and ethnically different, they are all…
    • I will argue that the UK should become a federal republic. Con will argue the opposite. Round 4 will be conclusion only, unless I extend it. One rule. - You may only argue the federation part. Not the republic part, so be aware.

    Against

    • Argument 1: It still won't be over because Irish people, Scottish people, Welsh people, and English people will still want to be "free" of each other. Like the song you posted, the Irish have been trying to gain independence for 800 years, sock don't think they'll ever quit…
    • I believe that the United Kingsom should become a confederation, as a federation still gives too much power to the federal government.
  38. 438.

    Iran is not a threat to world security

    For

    • >Finally, I agree that Iran is currently in a defensive military posture, though I do not think that matters terribly much. Iran's posture is defensive; Israel, too, is in a defensive posture vis-a-vis Iran, but both parties are wary of the other striking out. History is full…
    • So it seems that we both agree that Iran is not pursuing a nuclear weapon at the present time. Also, there was no rebuttal put forward that would counter that any attempt by Iran to pursue a nuclear weapon would be for deterrence by the West, or Israel.[1] The point of the…

    Against

    • Thank you again, jamesblue. This is a fascinating topic, and I appreciate your engagement with it. This has been a very worthwhile debate. My closing will be very brief. My opponent seems to have argued a slightly different resolution than the one he proposed. Throughout this…
    • Thank you for the thoughtful response, jamesblue, and for clarifying your earlier argument. I would like to clarify a few points as well.As my opponent notes, we agree on a lot. This is not surprising, as the basic strategic contours are not in dispute within the community of…
  39. 439.

    Constitutional monarchy is better than presidential democracy

    For

    • I would like to thank the right honourable gentleman for his explaination but as for the debate< i would like to say that Constitutional monarchy is better than presidency because if the head of the government fail to submitt it's promise of certainty then the head of state has…
    • Presidential democracy is Disgusting and needed to be replaced with constitutional Monarchy because the leaders ideas are inconsistent

    Against

    • I would like to say that Constitutional monarchy is better than presidency because if the head of the government fail to submit it's promise of certainty than the head of state has the right to call for another parliament. First of all, I barely understood the point made here.…
    • Extend arguments.
  40. 440.

    Women should serve on US submarines

    For

    • [ Introduction ] Thanks, Con, for the debate... and welcome to DDO! In the future, keep in mind that the instigator of a debate has the burden of proof, and thus is expected to post an argument first in Round 1. That said, I'll begin this debate anyway by presenting several…
    • Con begins by citing 5 links that he claims depict proof of degradation of real unit performance. None of his sources say or prove that; he simply cited articles that agree with his position. Obviously citing a source that simply upholds your opinion doesn't mean you've…

    Against

    • I will preface this debate with two facts: this is my first debate on this site, and I am a former submarine officer, having served for 3 years on a submarine stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. I think the Navy is making a mistake in allowing women to serve on submarines, but…
    • The Navy is making a mistake in allowing women on subs, and the actual plan to effect that policy is relevant in this debate. I agree exclusion on the basis of gender alone is wrong, and I already support all women subs (have for years), but that's not what the Navy is not…
  41. 441.

    The European Parliament should be the sovereign law-making body of Eurozone states

    For

    • Relevance
    • Democratic Deficit

    Against

    • Ineffectiveness of Parliament
    • Creeping Federalism
  42. 442.

    Missile defence systems do more harm than good

    For

    • DUH!!!!!! you forgot one thing if you have that missiles you won't afraid of the other bomb and if they make something that you think it's wrong you will taunt them and war will start and it will make global warming too because ICBM has a............ something that it kills you…
    • why because every thing will end at war right? for example do you think if you make bomb your enemy will make dynamite then you make C4 so your opponent will make nuclear and you will make hydrogen bomb and it will end at war

    Against

    • "if you have that missiles you won't afraid of the other bomb" Are you suggesting that the United States would not take the threat of WMDs seriously? As a reminder, the U.S. already does have missles and other WMDs, however, that doesn't mean that we would take other countries…
    • "National Missile Defense (NMD) as a generic term is a military strategy and associated systems to shield an entire country against incoming Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). The missiles could be intercepted by other missiles, or possibly by lasers. They could be…
  43. 443.

    The Electoral College should be abolished

    For

    • Assertion 1 There are two problems here. The first is that the majority is more important than minorities in a democracy. A democracy is about doing what most of the people want to do, not what a few people want to do. While I do agree that it is bad to oppress minorities, the…
    • Thank you for that quick acceptance. There are three main problems with the EC: it is outdated, it leads candidates to appeal to specific groups instead of everyone, and it allows for the possibility of electing a candidate that is not wanted by the majority of Americans. The…

    Against

    • All points extend.
    • I will first give my remaining assertion then I'll defend and refute.Assertion 3- The Electoral College system prevents candidates with only regional appeal from winningThis assertion states that presidential candidates can put all their money on a big state like CA or TX. With…
  44. 444.

    The United States is a good country overall

    For

    • Past atrocities are out of control in America. Do you see any groups or organizations for whites? No, every f*****g race except whites get benefits or have some form of group/society. The whole Nazi thing is old and the Jew's that were affected by WWII are dead. So let's forget…
    • Thank you for your response. Oklahoma is part of the midwest. The south is Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Kentucky, etc... The KKK is fading away and are nothing like they used to be. The abortion clinic doctor is a bad man, the MAN not GROUP that shot him was doing…

    Against

    • Let's finish up with Round 4. 1. Oklahoma a. I'm well aware that Oklahoma is considered a mid-western state; notice how, in my last post, I pointed that out; also, I live here. I consider my state south from the perspective of the entire United States; Oklahoma obviously lies…
    • Well then, let me cover what I opponent said, cover drops, and then present a little bonus argument. First of all, I don't really plan on moving out of America; unlike some people, I don't like to run from my problems. I also live in the South; I live in Oklahoma; granted we…
  45. 445.

    World peace cannot be achieved

    For

    • Alright. I would like to thank iamnotacop for accepting this debate. So, here's my argument: World peace cannot be achieved. You can create a state with so many laws and so many enforcers, but there will always be a presence of evil. Evil is not something that can be gunned…
    • Not going to post my argument right now, as I am on an iPod and to do so would be a pain. Looking forward to the debate. :)

    Against

    • close
    • Thanks. I like yours too. What Anime is that from? I'm glad to have such a friendly opponent, and I'm sorry for what I'm about to do to you. (joking) We as human beings can not possibly know a future outcome to it's full extent, therefor to make the claim that something such as…
  46. 446.

    Citizenship is an outdated concept

    For

    • Part of being a citizen (vs. noncitizen) of the USA is the main expectation that the government "has your back". Citizens are supposed to have benefits over and above non-citizens and rescue from political turmoil and natural disaster are often expected. The services offered…

    Against

    • My opponent has provided no reason as to solidifying their argument, and the Burden of Proof lies on them. As the contender, I will rest my case simply by saying that the Status of Citizenship is NOT outdated.
    • My opponent has provided no reason as to solidifying their argument, and the Burden of Proof lies on them. As the contender, I will rest my case simply by saying that the Status of Citizenship is NOT outdated.
  47. 447.

    Governments routinely lie to their citizens

    For

    • Soicety has the wrong look on life, they believe every thing and anything government lies to them and they accept it... humans are to smart 4 dere own good we wont be free until we let the power of love defeat the love of power

    Against

    • Is there anyway for me to delete this debate?
    • This is a fail debate.
  48. 448.

    The United Nations is ineffective and fails its stated mission

    For

    • I chose Syria as a current example of a current event relating to the original statement posted above, but perhaps strayed a little bit too far. While still on this topic for the moment I just want to say that I'm wasn't referring to a full scale attack on Syria to "free" its…
    • Lets not forget that the Syrian uprising has killed over 100,000 of its country's men, women, and children in the last 2 years. A reported 1,400 of these deaths are caused by chemical attacks. Yet chemical attacks continue to be the only basis right now as to why the UN is…

    Against

    • I'm not saying that what's happening in Syria isn't a tragedy, because there is no denying that it is. In every single way shape and form it is. But you're original statement was that the United Nations was useless and now you've started to argue the merits of what's occurring…
    • Although what you are saying does make sense, the United Nations doesn't just have to help solve every small problem that every country has. And that comes back to us, countries that aren't directly affected by the conflict in Syria shouldn't be expected to rush and risk their…
  49. 449.

    Communist ideas are immoral

    For

    • "It seems further that I am committed to say that, for Marx, employing such violence through revolution is consistent with reason when and if the target society refuses to recognize the condition of equality between all humans in a biological and metaphysical sense."No, income…
    • Communism consists of the idea that we should violently usurp others property and "redistribute" it, stealing is normally considered immoral so. This iea is also increibly stupid because capitalism has lifted millions out of poverty and has probven to bring a better quality of…

    Against

    • "It seems further that I am committed to say that, for Marx, employing such violence through revolution is consistent with reason when and if the target society refuses to recognize the condition of equality between all humans in a biological and metaphysical sense."The counter…
    • My interlocutor makes the keen point that violence or struggle is an essential part of Marx's theory of communism. The tough question to answer is, it seems, how one can morally justify violent redistribution of property. It seems further that I am committed to say that, for…
  50. 450.

    A republic is better than a democracy

    For

    • Yups a doo da day. :P
    • Ajab has french fried this round.

    Against

    • So is this just going to be a tie?
    • I will accept I will be arguing that a democracy can be better then a republic, which is what I assume this debate is about.

How to use these debate topics

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  • Four corners. Label corners strongly agree → strongly disagree; people move, then each corner makes its best case.
  • Switch sides. Halfway through, everyone argues the side they disagree with. It sharpens listening.

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