Basic Debate Terms
Side of the debate whose job is to create doubt
Negative
The first speech in an LD round.
1st Affirmative Constructive (1AC)
The part of a constructive that clarifies the meaning of certain words.
Definitions
The length of cross examination.
3 minutes
This amendment protects freedom of speech, religion, and the press.
First Amendment
Side of the debate whose job is to affirm the resolution
Affirmative
1st Negative Constructive (1NC)
The ideal that should be held highest in the debate round that is supported by your side of the resolution.
Value
The length of prep time in LD.
3 minutes
This amendment protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures.
4th admendment
Lincoln Douglas Debate is not a policy debate, it is a _____ debate
Value
The name of arguments explaining why your side of the resolution upholds your value.
Contentions
The length of the 1AC.
6 minutes
This event led to major debates about balancing liberty and security in the U.S.
9/11
The 4th speech in an LD round.
1st Negative Rebuttal (1NR)
The measuring stick or method of achieving one's value.
Criterion
The length of the 1NC.
7 minutes
This law expanded government surveillance powers after 9/11.
The Patriot Act
A Lincoln Douglas Debate is typically this long.
45 minutes
The 5th speech in an LD round.
2nd Affirmative Rebuttal (2AR)
The topic being debated.
Resolution
The length of the 1AR, 1NR, and 2AR individually.
1AR = 4 minutes, 1NR = 6 minutes, 2AR = 3 minutes
This famous quote warns that those who sacrifice liberty for safety deserve neither.
Benjamin Franklin