Parliamentary Debate

The parliamentary debate format is based on the skills needed by representatives in the British Parliamentary system. It emphasizes an ability to think quickly, speak convincingly, and ask direct questions. Parliamentary debate also requires teamwork.

Each side (the government and the opposition) has two members who are expected to present a unified argument. The round is judged and run by the "speaker" or judge.

There are no prepared topics with this form of debate, which is a sharp (positive) contrast to most high school debate. There are very little requirements as to the type of case you can discuss. If there are two sides to the argument, it is probably an appropriate case. Recent examples include "Baywatch is the best television show in the world" and "Aaron is the worst debater on the MC team."

Debaters find out the possible topics only ten minutes before the round. The government team is expected to present a debatable case and convince the judge of their side. The opposition is expected to either refute the government's case or show why the government' s resolution shouldn't be adopted. There is no evidence in parliamentary debate, and there isn't any time to prepare between speeches. While there is no set question period, debaters are allowed to ask questions during their opponents' speeches. Parliamentary debate tends to be less formal AND MORE FUN that other forms of competitive debate.

The best way to learn about parliamentary debate is to actually do it. During practice rounds at the weekly meetings new debaters are given a chance to figure everything out. While parliamentary debate is relatively simple, it does have its' own quirks and norms. The best way to figure out these technicalities is by checking out some of the links below.