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Debate Event

This video is of a full round of congressional debate. The competition took place in Phoenix, Arizona June 2023. National Speech and Debate Association

Event Description

A simulation of the U.S. legislative process in the Senate and the House, students generate a series of bills and resolutions for debate in Congressional Debate. Debaters (also referred to as Senators and Representatives) alternate delivering speeches for and against the topic in a group setting. An elected student serves as a presiding officer to ensure debate flows smoothly. Students are assessed on their research, argumentation, and delivery skills, as well as their knowledge and use of parliamentary procedure.

DEBATE FORMAT

Congressional Debate is like a simulation of the real United States legislature. A group of 10-25 students, called a Chamber, will compete in a legislative session. A series of bills and resolutions will be proposed by students from various schools. Students in turn will be selected by a presiding officer—a student elected to conduct the business of the round—to give speeches both advocating for and encouraging the defeat of the measure in front of them. Following each speech, competitors will be able to pose questions of the speaker.

Typically, one session of Congress lasts about 2-3 hours.

During that time, students typically give speeches 3 minutes in length. The first two speeches on a piece of legislation are known as the first advocacy, or first pro, and the first rejection, or first con. These speeches are followed by 2 minutes of cross examination. After the first pro and con speech are established, each additional speaker is subject to one minute of cross examination by the chamber.

Event Rules

ACTAA aligns with NSDA on debate event rules, with the exception of IPDA.

NSDA Debate Event Rules

Resources

Congressional Debate Introduction

ACTAA Resource Library

NSDA Competition Events Guide

NSDA High School Unified Manual

NSDA Resource Library

ACTAA Spring 2025 Congressional Debate Docket

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