Politics debates

What makes a good politics debate

The best political arguments are about a specific choice: a law, a budget, a court ruling, a treaty. Vague questions like "Is government too big?" give everyone a way to dodge. "Should the US replace the Electoral College?" makes each speaker say what they would do and what it would cost.

Ask each side to name the outcome they want and the price they accept. Then let the audience decide who made the stronger case.

Politics questions to argue

Pick one, or reword it for the argument you want to have.

• Should the US replace the Electoral College with a national popular vote?
• Should the Supreme Court have term limits?
• Should voting in US elections be compulsory?
• Should the US condition military aid to its allies on human rights?
• Can democracy take root in the Middle East without outside pressure?
• Should political donations be capped?

Related debate guides