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LincolnDouglas Debate is a oneonone forensic competition format modeled after historic debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas. Learn how to participate.

Step 1: Pick affirmative or Negative side on given issue
Choose the affirmative or negative side of a given topic.

Tip
A LincolnDouglas format is a debate judged on the moral validity of one ideal over an opposing ideal. Other debate formats are judged on the more practical application of a debate position.

Step 2: Research the topic and prep resource citation cards
Research your stance. Write notes with source citations on 3by5 index cards, to be used as evidence during the debate.

Step 3: Prepare an LD Debate flow sheet
Use a legal pad held horizontally to create a LincolnDouglas Debate flow sheet. Divide the page or pages into seven sections, one for each round of the debate.

Tip
Before participating in the debate, fill in your side's evidence points in the appropriate sections on the flow sheet. Leave the opponent's sections empty for notetaking during the debate.

Step 4: Affirmative states resolution with evidence
State your position clearly and support it with three or more facts during the opening round if you're affirmative.

Step 5: Negative crossexamines opponent
Aim your questions at your opponent's opening statement with a strategy that points out flaws and negative implications of your opponent's position if you're negative.

Step 6: Negative participant presents opposing statement
Present your opposing statement clearly with supporting facts during the opening round if you're negative.

Step 7: Affirmative crossexamines opponent
Crossexamine the opponent's negative position if you're affirmative.

Tip
Crossexamination rounds in LincolnDouglas format debates typically have threeminute time limits.

Step 8: Affirmative makes rebuttal speech
Make a rebuttal speech if you're affirmative. This fourminute rebuttal round will serve to rebuild your case.

Step 9: Negative makes rebuttal speech
Make your rebuttal speech if you're negative. The negative rebuttal round has a six or sevenminute time limit.

Step 10: Affirmative states final case
State your final case in a three or fourminute rebuttal of your opponent's negative position if you're affirmative.

Did You Know?
Senator Hillary Clinton challenged Senator Barack Obama to a LincolnDouglas format debate during the 2008 Democratic presidential primaries.