Policy Debate

What is Policy?

Are you interested in government? Do you like to discuss issues in-depth? Would you prefer to debate with a partner? If so, policy debate might be for you!
 
In Policy debate (Also called CX), two students debate against two students from another school. The debate focuses on questions of policy. One side will defend the resolution and present a plan of action for the US federal government to solve a problem. The other side will argue that this plan isn't necessary, won't solve the problem, or will make things worse in some way. The topic for policy debate is the same for a full year, so this type of debate focuses on research and in-depth understanding of the topic.

Click HERE to watch an example of policy debate in action - note that you'll need to be logged in to your NSDA account!​

Policy Debate Resources

Policy Cheat Sheet

NSDA Event Guide

MSHSAA Event Rules

Example policy ballot

Example Policy case

Past Policy Topics

Current Topic

• 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.

2021-2022 Topic
Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its protection of water resources in the United States.

2020-2021 Topic
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.