Coolidge Debate Formats
The Coolidge Debate 1v1 format is the format that we use at all Coolidge Cup Qualifier tournaments and at the Coolidge Cup. It is most similar to Lincoln-Douglas, but with some important modifications to speech lengths and order.
The Coolidge Debate 2v2 format is an alternative format that we use for certain leagues. It is most similar to Public Forum, but with some important modifications to speech lengths and order.
Resolutions and Research Briefs
We have created many resolutions and accompanying research briefs over the years. Below are a sample of resolutions and briefs that you might wish to use in your league. These resolutions and briefs can be done with either the 1v1 or 2v2 format. The purpose of the briefs is to help students understand the focus of the debate and to help them get started on case preparation. We do not limit students to the arguments or evidence in the brief.
- Resolved: United States antitrust laws should be abolished. (Antitrust Brief)
- Resolved: The United States federal government should prioritize reducing the federal debt over promoting economic growth. (Budget Brief)
- Resolved: The benefits of obtaining a bachelor’s degree outweigh the costs to students and their families. (College Cost Brief)
- Resolved: The benefits of the shutdown of the U.S. economy due to the coronavirus are worth the costs. (Economic Shutdown Brief)
- Resolved: Wealthy Americans already pay their fair share of taxes. (Fair Share of Taxes Brief)
- Resolved: The mandate of the Federal Reserve should be amended to pursue price stability only rather than to pursue price stability and full employment. (Federal Reserve Dual Mandate Brief)
- Resolved: The federal government should adopt the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act. (Immigration Brief)
- Resolved: The United States should adopt Medicare For All, thus instituting a single-payer system of healthcare. (Medicare For All Brief)
- Resolved: The United States federal government should make reducing the national debt a fiscal priority. (National Debt Brief)
- Resolved: Congress should repeal Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. (Section 230 Brief)
- Resolved: For the United States, socialism would be a better economic system than capitalism for promoting the well-being of the average person. (Socialism Versus Capitalism Brief)
- Resolved: The federal government should cancel up to $50,000 in student loan debt for every person with student loan debt. (Student Loan Forgiveness Brief)
- Resolved: Supreme Court justices shall serve terms of no more than 18 years. (Supreme Court Term Limits Brief)
- Resolved: the U.S. federal government should adopt a policy of unilateral free trade. (Unilateral Free Trade Brief)
- Resolved: The United States federal government should replace its current federal welfare programs with a universal basic income. (Universal Basic Income Brief)
- Resolved: The state of North Carolina should adopt a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for private employers. (Vaccine Mandates Brief)