Team Policy

TP1 - Resolved: The United States Federal Government should substantially reform its criminal justice policy. 

America has a robust and highly developed criminal justice system. Unfortunately, the US also has the highest rate of incarceration in the world. Students will have a chance to debate whether this fact indicates a robust adherence to the law or reflects a flawed disciplinary system. Under this topic, debaters will look at reforming policy associated with various components of the system, including law enforcement personnel, prosecution, prisons, sentencing, due process, victim rights, among others. Additionally, we’ll explore the nexus of global criminality and our justice system--how we can improve our public policy to protect society from illegal activity originating abroad.

TP2 - Resolved: The United States Federal Government should substantially reform its policy regarding one or more of the following organizations: the UN, NATO, WHO or the IMF.

The USFG is highly involved with each of these organizations and provides significant funding to them. At times the decisions that come out of the organizations do not align with the best interests of the United States. Students will have the opportunity to learn about these organizations, how they operate and how they are beneficial or harmful to the interests of the United States. The range of policies that can be proposed to change the US policy toward these organizations is ripe with possibilities from military, defense, health, and monetary policy. 

TP3 - Resolved: The United States Federal Government should substantially reform its policy toward one or more countries in Central/South America.

The Americas south of the U.S. border continue to exhibit the peril and promise that have been their lot in modern history. As our attention is drawn to countries such as El Salvador and Argentina which seem to be experiencing a renaissance of gifted leadership, to countries like Venezuela and Brazil which seem to be sliding toward the abyss of full-scale totalitarianism, to Panama which is reemerging as an important trading conduit, debaters will have a chance to learn how the US interacts with our southern neighbors. Furthermore, this resolution opens the door to a vast array of possible policy reforms toward these countries, such as how we manage our immigration and border policy, tariffs and trade, military aid, and much more.

Lincoln Douglas

LD1 - Resolved: Elected government officials ought to serve as delegates as opposed to trustees.

This resolution examines how elected officials should carry out their duties as they serve their constituents. Areas to explore include the role of the official, how they make decisions, how they are held accountable, and their focus. Under the delegate model, officials act as direct representatives of their constituents, making decisions based on public opinion and voter preferences. Under the trustee model, officials use their own judgment and expertise to make decisions, even if they contradict public opinion. Students can also examine these models at different levels of government, from national leadership to local government. Historically, there have been rich arguments for both sides of this resolution and students will be forced to think about different ways a representative government can operate.  

LD2- Resolved: In foreign policy, diplomacy is more effective than military intervention. 

In an ideal world, we could resolve all conflicts peaceably. However, we do not live in an ideal world. Conflicts abound. This resolution asks whether diplomacy or military intervention is more effective. It does not ask which is more desirable but, rather, focuses on effective outcomes. Advocates for diplomacy focus on its cost effectiveness, lack of violence and a desire to preserve human life. Advocates for military intervention argue that certain disputes require immediate action to preserve human life and protect national security. They also argue that soft power is ineffective in the absence of real power.  

LD3 - Resolved: Practical skills should be valued over theoretical knowledge.

Which has more value, the ability to repair a car or the ability to quote Shakespeare? This resolution will weigh the relative value of achieving practical skills and theoretical knowledge. Does everyone need a Bachelor of Arts degree? Or should we encourage more students to attend trade school and gain practical, hands-on experience? In an age where hands-on ability often translates directly into employability and real-world impact, while abstract knowledge forms the foundation of innovation and progress, this resolution challenges students to weigh the tangible against the conceptual. It invites critical thinking about what society truly values, how education systems should be shaped, and what it means to be “prepared” for life beyond the classroom.

LD4 - Resolved: Intervening in the internal political affairs of other countries in an attempt to stop human rights abuses is justified.

Is it right for a nation to go beyond its own borders to stop human rights abuses in another nation? This resolution explores the balance between national sovereignty and global moral responsibility. In recent history, nations and international coalitions have intervened in various ways to stop or respond to human rights abuses—such as NATO’s military action in Kosovo in 1999 to stop ethnic cleansing, the U.S.-led intervention in Iraq in 1991 to protect Kurdish populations, or the international response to apartheid in South Africa through sanctions and diplomatic pressure. More recently, debates have emerged over intervention in Syria’s civil war and the treatment of the Rohingya in Myanmar. These examples provide a rich backdrop for students to consider questions of legality, effectiveness, unintended consequences, and ethical obligation.

LD5 - Resolved: Incrementalism is superior to radicalism as a means to achieve social change.

This resolution presents a classic debate between pragmatism and idealism. On one side it could be argued that incrementalism ensures stable, lasting reform that is accepted by a larger portion of the population. On the other hand, the necessity of radical action may be a better approach when injustice is too severe to tolerate. The best arguments depend on historical examples, philosophical perspectives on justice, and the weighing of risks versus rewards in achieving social progress through compromise or a strong principled approach. In this resolution, concepts of effective social change will be explored including ideas like the overton window.

Click on the links with each candidate to read their bio. You will vote for your two preferred candidates.

Joshua Baker

Malcolm Chen

Joshua Mauldin

Janine Wilkins