Lincoln-Douglas Value Debate
In value debate, one debater affirms the resolution while another opposes or negates it. This style of debate, named after the famous debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas, explores a philosophical clash of competing but morally defensible values.
Our Resolution
Debate resolutions set the boundaries for the topic that competitors will debate throughout the season.
The resolution for our current 2025-2026 season is
Resolved: In the exploration and utilization of outer space, international cooperation should be prioritized.
Value Debate
Learn More
Value debate challenges students to think critically about the ideals held by individuals and societies. It seeks to discover which values should drive decision-making rather than to advocate for a particular course of action. For example, the question about the environment for value debate would not be “What should we DO to protect the environment?” but rather , “Should we VALUE the environment above the economy?”
How this Event Works
Throughout a tournament, debaters alternate between affirming and negating the assigned resolution for the season. This helps students learn that there are reasonable arguments for both sides in a clash of desirable values.
Debaters use different ways to structure cases and arguments, but you can anticipate that many rounds will feature the following categories of argumentation.
- Precise definitions: The words in a value resolution often have different nuances of meaning, and precise definitions may be required to support an argument. Therefore, the selection and quality of key definitions is important.
- Hierarchy of values: Debaters will appeal to values or ideals that they will contend their side of the resolution best supports. When there is a clash of values, a debater may argue that his value ought to be preferred over his opponent’s value.
- Criterion or standard: Debaters may offer a defined way to help explain, measure or evaluate which arguments best support the preeminent value they have identified.
The following FREE resources for the 2024-2025 season are available to help competitors start the season.
- Resolution Introduction (LD 25-26)
- Value Resolution Starting Points Video (LD 25-26)
- Exhibition Round (LD 25-26)
- Sample Affirmative Case (LD 25-26)
- Sample Affirmative Case Backup (LD 25-26-coming soon)
- Sample Negative Case (LD 25-26)
- Sample Negative Case Backup (LD25-26-coming soon)
- Debating with Integrity Education Video Clips
- Flow Sheets to Take Notes: Letter (LD) or Legal (LD)
- Ballot Sample
Please scroll down for information about additional resources available through the NCFCA Shop.
25-26 Value Resolution Kickoff | Resources
New for 2025-2026! Enjoy recordings of NCFCA debate committee and guest expert as they take a deep dive into the 2025-26 Value resolution, covering resolution framework and background, relevant philosophies, Affirmative and Negative Perspectives as well as potential values, criterion, and case construction. The research bundle, available for families or groups is also available and includes presenter notes from the live online event, research links, and other valuable materials.
Learn the Basics with our Intro to Value Debate
With six hours of instruction and activities, an easy-to-follow facilitator guide, printable student activity packets, and slides, even a novice parent can successfully lead students through Intro to Value Debate. A recording of the live event is available for families or groups.
Lincoln-Douglas Value Debate FAQs
Tips for Online Debate Evidence Exchange
File uploads are strongly recommended as some formatting may not be retained if evidence is copied directly into the evidence-exchange chat.
Prior to the tournament, have evidence files named, saved as pdfs (recommended), and organized in order to upload promptly, if requested. Examples include:
- AC/1AC
- Every piece of evidence that may be presented in a debate round saved as individual files (recommended)
Ensure that each file includes a proper citation in accordance with the rules.
Lengthy pieces of evidence (more than 2,000 characters) cannot be copied and pasted into the evidence-exchange chat.
Brief pieces of evidence (less than 2,000 characters) may be shared via the evidence-exchange chat if created and formatted in Google docs or other web-based word processing platforms. Sharing direct links to evidence sources is not permitted.
Is it okay to quote the Bible in debate rounds?
For a comprehensive answer to this question, please see our blog post on the use of scripture in debate rounds
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