Lincoln/Douglas Debate

History and Structure"A man never tells you anything until

you contradict him."-George Bernard Shaw

Lincoln/Douglas Debates of 1858

• The 1858 election campaign for U.S. Senate for state of Illinois

• Stephen A. Douglas against a then unknown Abraham Lincoln

• Lincoln accepted the nomination with the famous lines: “A house divided against itself cannot stand.' I believe this Government cannot endure permanently half-slave and half-free."

Lincoln/Douglas Debates of 1858 cont’d

• They participated in 7 debates, 3 hours apiece, in 7 different cities in Illinois

• People came from all over the state to watch them debate in crowds of nearly 15,000

• Lincoln and Douglas presented sharply opposing viewpoints on the issue of slavery and the legal rights of blacks

• This issue addressed a problem that was dividing the nation and threatening the continued existence of the Union

• Douglas won the Senate position, but Lincoln went on to win the presidency in 1860.

Lincoln/Douglas Debate Structure

• This style of debate has two sides. The side which favors the proposition is called the Affirmative position, and the side that opposes the proposition is called the Negative position.

• This style is very reliant on time and good behavior/manners.

Lincoln/Douglas Debate• Affirmative position debater presents constructive debate points. (6 minutes)• Negative position debater cross-examines affirmative points. (3 minutes)• Negative position presents constructive debate points. (7 minutes)• Affirmative position cross-examines negative points. (3 minutes)• Affirmative position offers first rebuttal (4 minutes)• Negative position offers first rebuttal (6 minutes)• Affirmative position offers second rebuttal (3 minutes)

Congressional Debate Structure

# Introduction (15-30 sec.)

* Attention Getter * Purpose ("I rise to the affirmative/stand negative on the bill or resolution...") * Preview ("for the following reasons")

# Body (2 Minutes)

* Clash! o State issues on the floor o State points in conflict o Prove your point with evidence including the source and date of publication, add the credentials of the source o logic- explain why this evidence reinforces your point and your side o Tell the assembly the impact of your point and how it should affect their vote * Present a Challenge to the Opposition.

# Conclusion (30 sec.)

* Summarize key points of clash. * Summarize key points. * Come full circle.

# Open yourself for cross-examination and clarification. ("I am now open for cross-examination and points of further clarification.")