Policy Debate
This event appeals to students who enjoy working as part of a team and analyzing complex issues. Policy debaters dive deep into research, constructing nuanced cases and anticipating intricate arguments. The format is known for being the most technical of the debate events, often involving rapid delivery and detailed evidence.
Successful Policy debaters are collaborative, curious, focused, and highly analytical. They excel at synthesizing research, thinking critically, and staying composed during fast-paced exchanges.
Time Limits
| Speech | Abbreviation | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Affirmative Constructive | 1AC | 8 minutes |
| Negative Cross-Examination of Affirmative | 3 minutes | |
| 1st Negative Constructive | 1NC | 8 minutes |
| Affirmative Cross-Examination of Negative | 3 minutes | |
| 2nd Affirmative Constructive | 2AC | 8 minutes |
| Negative Cross-Examination of Affirmative | 3 minutes | |
| 2nd Negative Constructive | 2NC | 8 minutes |
| Affirmative Cross-Examination of Negative | 3 minutes | |
| 1st Negative Rebuttal | 1NR | 5 minutes |
| 1st Affirmative Rebuttal | 1AR | 5 minutes |
| 2nd Negative Rebuttal | 2NR | 5 minutes |
| 2nd Affirmative Rebuttal | 2AR | 5 minutes |
| Prep Time (each team) | 8 minutes | |
Compete
Judge
Final Round Videos
- 2023 - 2024
- 2022 - 2023
- 2021 - 2022
- 2020 - 2021
- 2019 - 2020
- 2018 - 2019
- 2017 - 2018
- 2016 - 2017
- 2015 - 2016
- 2014 - 2015
| Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase fiscal redistribution in the United States by adopting a federal jobs guarantee, expanding Social Security, and/or providing a basic income. |
Documents |
2023 |
2024 |
Videos |
| Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its security cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in one or more of the following areas: artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cybersecurity. |
Documents |
2022 |
2023 |
Videos |
2022HS Policy Debate Final Round Videos |
2023HS Policy Debate Final Round Videos |
| Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its protection of water resources in the United States. |
Files |
2021 |
2022
|
Documents |
2021 |
2022 |
Videos |
2021HS Policy Debate Final Round Videos |
2022HS Policy Debate Final Round Videos |
| Resolved: The United States federal government should enact substantial criminal justice reform in the United States in one or more of the following: forensic science, policing, sentencing. |
Files |
2020Policy Files Update – 2020 October |
2021
|
Documents |
2020 |
2021 |
Videos |
| Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially reduce Direct Commercial Sales and/or Foreign Military Sales of arms from the United States. |
Files |
2019 |
2020 |
Documents |
2019 |
2020 |
Videos |
| Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially reduce its restrictions on legal immigration to the United States. |
Files |
2018Policy Refugees Aff – 2018-2019 |
2019
|
Documents |
2018 |
2019 |
Videos |
| Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its funding and/or regulation of elementary and/or secondary education in the United States. |
Files |
Documents |
2017 |
2018 |
Videos |
| Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its economic and/or diplomatic engagement with the People’s Republic of China. |
Files |
Documents |
2016
|
2017 |
Videos |
2016HS Policy Debate Final Round Videos |
2017HS Policy Debate Final Round Videos |
| Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially curtail its domestic surveillance. |
Files |
Documents |
2015
|
2016 |
Videos |
2015HS Policy Debate Final Round Videos |
2016Showcase – Policy Debate |
| Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its non-military exploration and/or development of the Earth’s oceans. |
Files |
2014 |
2015
|
Documents |
2014
|
2015 |
Videos |
2014HS Policy Debate Final Round Videos |
2015HS Policy Debate Final Round Videos |
Policy Debate
CX or POL • High School Main Event • Middle School Main Event • Also known as Cross-Examination Debate
Policy Debate (CX) is a two-on-two debate where the affirmative team proposes a policy plan and the negative team argues against its adoption. The topic provided by the National Federation of State High School Associations and published on the NSDA website remains the same throughout the academic year, allowing students to explore a single issue in depth. Each student delivers two speeches: one constructive and one rebuttal. Internet access is permitted unless otherwise specified by the tournament.