CONGRESSIONAL DEBATE is individual debate in a large group setting; around 18-20 students from various schools will congregate in a classroom for debate on federal legislation proposed by the students themselves.
Here is a sample partial docket that could be seen in a congress chamber:
School A: A Bill to Impose Sanctions on Iran
School B: A Bill To Combat The HIV/AIDS Epidemic In Sub-Saharan Africa
School C: A Resolution to Disband Immigration and Customs Enforcement
School D: A Resolution to Abolish Affirmative Action
School E: A Bill to Support ESEAN to Deescalate Tensions in the South China Sea
Students will research topics and give three-minute-long speeches on the various topics. The class will teach students how to research, outline, and formally present speeches, plus learn cross-examination techniques.
Video of Congressional Debate, with an introduction by Adam Jacobi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQ07Dmc1L0g
Video of 2001 PBCFL Super Congress: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPu_A50bPKU
LINCOLN DOUGLAS DEBATE features one person on each side of a philosophical question. Propositions of value are debated with the emphasis on developing logical argumentation rather than an accumulation of information. Students will learn values analysis, argumentation skills, sound and ethical use of persuasion, and clear audience-centered communication. The topic changes every two months.
Video of Lincoln Douglas Debate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2O3ppc-UC2s
PUBLIC FORUM DEBATE is an audience-friendly two-on-two debate where current event issues are argued using logic and facts/statistics. PFD develops skills in argumentation, cross-examination and refutation. The topic changes monthly.
Video of Public Forum Debate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Hvq7PXdMjo
WORLD SCHOOLS DEBATE is a 3-on-3 debate event which features a dynamic format combining the concepts of “prepared” topics and “impromptu” topics, encouraging debaters to focus on specified issues rather than debate theory or procedural arguments. This highly interactive style of debate allows debaters to engage each other, even during speeches.
Video of World Schools Debate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WEChQ6fNQw
The INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC POLICY FORUM is the first and only competition that gives high school students around the world the opportunity to engage in written and oral debates on issues of public policy. This international contest is open to all schools – public and private – for free. High school teams compete for awards and scholarships. The top eight teams earn an all-expenses-paid trip to the IPPF Finals in New York City! Rostrum Article – NPPF A Different Perspective on Forensic Competition