2004-2005 Sampling of Regular Season Resolutions
These are topics that have been submitted by various people. They have no NPDA endorsement, official or otherwise.
Please note: Abbreviations are as follows:
TH = This House
TH would = This House would
R = Resolved
USFG = United States Federal Government
Top of the Rockies (University of Wyoming)
Topics submitted by Prof. Matt Stannard, Univ. of Wyoming
- Round 1: Coalition nations should implement a new strategy to ensure timely elections in Iraq.
- Round 2: THBT John Kerry should be the next President of the United States.
- Round 3: The United States should harden its North Korea policy.
- Round 4: The United States Federal Government should provide employment to all employable U.S. citizens living in poverty.
- Round 5: TH supports the partial privatization of Social Security.
- Round 6: TH would significantly increase prosecutorial power in rape cases.
- Round 7: The United Nations should immediately increase action to stop genocide in Sudan.
- Doubles: The U.S. Supreme Court should overturn one or more decisions that limit freedom of speech or press.
- Octafinals: TH believes it is better to sing than to speak.
- Quarters: The Green Party was correct in dumping Ralph Nader.
- Semis: TH should increase its support for the self-determination of one or more oppressed nations.
- Finals: The United States should significantly curtail its arms sales to one or more foreign countries.
Parli League of the Upper Midwest #1
Topics submitted by Prof. Jon Loging, Bethany Lutheran College
- Round 1: TH prefers residence halls to off-campus apartments.
- Round 2: TH would ignore all campaign ads.
- Round 3: Case Study
- Bronze: TH would stop the madness.
- Gold: TH would say to the tenure system, "You're fired!"
Claremont Colleges Round Robin
Topics submitted by Prof. John Meany, Claremont-McKenna College
- Round 1: The United States should substantially reform its tort system.
- Round 2: The European Union should not admit Turkey.
- Round 3: Eco-tourism does more harm than good.
- Round 4: Negotiate with terrorists.
- Round 5: In this case, monoculture does more good than harm.
- Finals: Socialize it.
Claremont Colleges National Open
Topics submitted by Prof. John Meany, Claremont-McKenna College
- Round 1: Continue the assault weapons ban.
- Round 2: The United States should adopt a standardized national curriculum for primary and secondary education.
- Round 3: TH would not embrace Libya.
- Round 4: The United States should adopt a substantially new development policy for one or more Caribbean nations.
- Round 5: TH would permit athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs.
- Round 6: The United States should significantly increase regulation of occupational safety and health.
- Round 7: In this circumstance, TH would restrict gated communities.
- Round 8: In this case, TH prefers a bipolar world.
- Octafinals: TH would substantially increase its support for the middle class.
- Quarterfinals: TH would establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission for indigenous peoples in the Americas.
- Semifinals: The United States should substantially reform its homeland security programs.
- Finals: TH would act to undermine corporate personhood.
College of Southern Idaho
Topics submitted by Prof. Chris Bragg, College of Southern Idaho
- Round 1: TH would reform the presidential debate process.
- Round 2: TH would reinstate the assault weapons ban.
- Round 3: TH believes the war in Iraq is a just war.
- Round 4: TH values a history of military service over a history of political service.
- Round 5: THBT, when in conflict, public safety outweighs personal privacy.
- Quarterfinals: TH should vote for Kerry.
- Semifinals: TH values nationalism over internationalism.
- Finals: TH believes the best is yet to come.
South Dakota State Jackrabbit Jousts
Topics submitted by Prof. Konrad Hack, Azusa Pacific University and Dr. Renea Gernant, Concordia University (NE)
- Round 1: Resolved: We can rebuild him.
- Round 2: TH would turn down the volume.
- Round 3: TH should take steps to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions.
- Round 4: The United States should take steps to halt Sudanese genocide.
- Semis: Peace has had its chance.
- Finals: It's time to get the guns.
William Jewell Round Robin
Topics submitted by Dr. Gina Lane, William Jewell College
- Round 1: The United States should extend aid and support to the Palestinian people.
- Round 2: TH would increase the minimum wage.
- Round 3: TH would significantly increase environmental protection in the United States.
- Round 4: Donald Rumsfeld should resign as Secretary of Defense.
- Round 5: TH supports current Russian efforts to win the war on terror.
- Semis: Redistribute the wealth.
- Finals: The NPT should be scrapped.
William Jewell Georgia E. Bowman Tournament
Topics submitted by Dr. Gina Lane, William Jewell College
- Round 1: TH would support comprehensive reform of the nation's health care system.
- Round 2: TH would extend diplomatic efforts to North Korea.
- Round 3: TH would delay the vote.
- Round 4: TH would reduce the power of labor unions in professional sports.
- Round 5: TH would flip flop.
- Round 6. The United States should significantly reform the election process.
- Octafinals: The United Nations should intervene in the internal affairs of Sudan.
- Quarters: TH supports substantial reform of Social Security.
- Semis: TH believes the process of science should not be constrained by politics.
- Finals: The United States should significantly increase support for the U.S. Armed Forces.
Carol Gaede "Talk of the Tundra" (Concordia College-MN)
Topics submitted by Dr. Todd Holm, Concordia College
- Round 1: TH believes less is more.
- Round 2: TH believes the rabbit must be faster than the coyote.
- Round 3: TH would hang the horse thief.
- Round 4: TH would hold our breath until we turned blue.
- Semis: TH values application over theory.
Ball State University
Topics submitted by Michael Bauer, Ball State University
- TH believes the current Presidential debates are an affront to good debating.
- TH believes United States foreign policy is more important than domestic policy.
- TH values Wal-Mart.
- TH believes it is time to cowboy up.
- TH would colonize the moon.
- TH believes significantly increasing gas prices are good for America .
- TH believes the United States should significantly reduce its foreign military commitments.
- TH believes Church and State are being inappropriately eroded.
Western Kentucky University
Topics submitted by Doug Mory, Western Kentucky University
- Round 1: The Iraqi elections should be delayed
- Round 2: The USFG should significantly change its foreign policy toward 1 or more Asian countries.
- Round 3: TH should privatize Social Security
- Round 4: The recent Bush tax cut, on balance, is good for the U.S. economy
- Round 5: The USFG should drop its recent suit against big tobacco
- Round 6: 527s should be quiet
- Octafinals: The United States should significantly harden its North Korea policy
- Quarterfinals: The USFG should allow drug re-importation from Canada
- Semifinals: The USFG should significantly change its foreign policy toward Sudan
- Finals: Four more years of Bush
Larry Schnoor Invitational (MSU-Mankato) and Gustavus Adolphus Swing
Topics submitted by Jon Loging, Bethany Lutheran College and Dr. Michael Dreher, Bethel University
- Round 1: TH would reconstruct capitalism.
- Round 2: It's time to reeducate educators.
- Round 3: TH believes the meek should inherit the earth.
- Round 4: TH would upset the balance.
- Semis: The FDA needs a new diagnosis.
- Finals: Resolved: The United Nations should recognize Taiwan.
Lewis and Clark Pioneer Invitational
Topics submitted by Steven Hunt, Lewis & Clark College
- Resolved: that three strikes and you are out criminal statutes should be abolished
- TH would strengthen the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002.
- The USFG should provide universal health care for all US citizens.
- TH believes that UN peacekeeping is generally a failure
- US held enemy combatants deserve all normal criminal due process rights
- The US Constitution should be amended to allow "foreign born" citizens to run for president.
- The UN intervention is Sudan is justified
- The US should pass a balanced budget amendment to the US Constitution
- The USFG should encourage prescription drug imports from Canada
- US term limit laws should be abolished
Bethany Lutheran Vocal Viking
Topics submitted by Jon Loging, Bethany Lutheran College
- Round 1: TH would require DNA samples.
- Round 2: TH would provide equal time.
- Round 3: TH would disregard its moral compass.
- Round 4: TH prefers stay-at-home dads.
- Semis: TH would vote early and often.
- Finals: TH needs a spiritual re-awakening.
32nd Annual Smelt Classic (Lower Columbia College)
Topics submitted by Michael Dugaw, Lower Columbia College
- Round 1: THBT minimizing is best.
- Round 2: TH has seen the light.
- Round 3: Resolved: Participation in politics by religious groups harms the political process.
- Round 4: THBT the support of athletics by higher education harms the educational process.
- Round 5: Resolved: That Congress should be given the power to reverse decisions of the Supreme Court.
- Round 6: Resolved: TH would increase restrictions on the civilian possession of firearms in the United States.
- Quarters: Resolved that American workers should take more time off.
- Semis: Resolved: That significantly stronger third-party participation in the United States Presidential elections would benefit the political process.
- Finals: THBT patriotism is misguided.
Valdosta State Blazer Classic
Topics submitted by Dr. Michael Eaves, Valdosta State
- Round 1: THBT the U.S. should elect its President by popular vote.
- Round 2: TH would privatize social security.
- Round 3: TH would amend the Patriot Act.
- Round 4: THBT protecting the environment is more important than helping the economy.
- Round 5: TH would put caps on liability lawsuits by victims.
- Round 6: THBT colleges and universities have emphasized sports over education.
Northeastern Asia Championships
Topics submitted by Jason Jarvis, Kyung Hee University
- Round: Practice
1. TH would allow condom vending machines in schools
2. TH supports minimum quotas for women in Asian politics
3. TH would cancel 3rd world debt. - Round 1: China
1. TH would not support internet censorship in China
2. TH believes that we need another militar superpower
3. TH supports the 3 Gorges Dam - Round 2: Sports
1. TH would permit performance enhancing drugs at the Olympics
2. TH would ban all fighting sports
3. TH would equalize prize money for male and female athletes - Round 3: Law and Order
1. TH would legalize prostitution
2. TH would punish government corruption with the death penalty
3. TH would protect whistleblowers - Round 4: Science
1. TH would ban genetically modified food.
2. THBT space exploration is a waste
3. TH would prohibit human cloning - Round 5: Terrorism
1. THBT the US led War on Terror has made the world less safe.
2. THBT Putin should talk not shoot.
3. TH would grant immediate statehood to Palestine. - Round 6: Human Rights
1. THBT child labor is justified
2. TH would legalize gay marriage
3. THBT pharmaceutical patents should not be enforced in Africa - Round 7: Religion
1. THBT China should not restrict religious freedom
2. THBT the churches should allow gay clergy
3. TH would include religious teaching in public schools - Quarters: Energy
1. THBT the Kyoto protocol needs US ratification
2. TH would build nuclear power plants
3. TH would provide public transportation for free - Semis: Northeast Asia - Economics
1. TH would protect local film industries through screen quotas.
2. TH would relocate the capital of Korea
3. TH would support a free trade zone in Northeast Asia - Finals: Northeast Asia - Military
1. TH would withdraw South Korean troops from Iraq.
2. THBT North Korea has the right to develop nuclear weapons.
3. THBT US bases should get out of Northeast Asia.
Parliamentary League of the Upper Midwest #3
- Round 1: TH would give power to the customer.
- Round 2: Resolved: The international community should take advantage of the death of Yasser Arafat.
- Round 3: (Case Study)
- Bronze: Resolved: College administrators should notify parents of a student's alcohol-related violation of a rule or law.
- Gold: TH would choose the X-Box Halo and Halo 2 over the Iliad and the Odyssey.
Century College NPTE Preview
Topics submitted by Jason Steck and Patty Steck, Century College/College of St. Thomas
(Note: Resolutions include parli and Parli-Lincoln Douglas)
- Government should act to significantly increase protection for intellectual diversity on campus.
- Build more freeways.
- The US federal government should reform the "No Child Left Behind" act.
- The US federal government should significantly reform its air traffic system.
- Congress should enact President Bush's mandate.
- President Bush should be a divider, not a uniter.
- State governments should have sovereignty over Native American casinos operating within their borders.
- The government should profit from private vice.
- The United States of America should act to encourage democracy in the former Soviet Union.
- The United States of America should support NATO membership for one or more states of the former Soviet Union.
- The United States federal government should act to counter nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.
- President Bush should appoint a Democrat.
- TH should judge intentions, not consequences.
- The US should act to cooperate with nuclear proliferating states.
Mahaffey Invitational (Linfield College)
Topics submitted by Bill Sheffield, Lewis-Clark State College
- Round 1: The US Federal Government should provide more funding for art.
- Round 2: The US Senate should refuse to confirm.
- Round 3: The media should stop sleeping with the enemy.
- Round 4: Everything old is new again.
- Round 5: TH regrets the death of Arafat.
- Round 6: The US should reform its immigration policy.
- Octafinals: A limited election does not a new democracy make.
- Quarterfinals: The US federal government should guarantee health care for all citizens.
- Semifinals: TH rejects occupation.
- Finals: Keep the action out of the stands.
Todd Lewis Invitational (Biola University)
Topics submitted by Erick Roebuck, Biola University
- Round 1: Reform the Electoral College.
- Round 2: TH would increase access to prescription drugs.
- Round 3: Let the Governator become the Presinator!
- Round 4: Privatization is better than socialization.
- Round 5: TH should significantly increase support for the United States Armed Forces.
- Round 6: The United States should pull out of the World Trade Organization
- Quarterfinals: TH would significantly increase support for NASA.
- Semifinals: The FCC should "let me be!"
- Finals: THBT lawyers subvert democracy.
Norene Hokett Invitational
Topics submitted by Konrad Hack, Azusa Pacific University
- Round 1: Resolved: The United Nations is unable to keep the peace.
- Round 2: Resolved: The Patriot Act isn't patriotic.
- Round 3: Resolved: The military should be enlarged.
- Round 4: TH would institute a national sales tax.
- Round 5: TH would choose national sovereignty over the prevention of genocide.
- Round 6: THBT the women's movement has stalled.
- Quarters: Resolved: Constructive engagement should be used in Iran.
- Semis: Resolved: TH would provide insurance for all Americans.
Griffin Invitational
Topics submitted by Konrad Hack, Azusa Pacific University
- Round 1: The No Child Left Behind Act has done more harm than good.
- Round 2: California should issue drivers' licenses to undocumented immigrants.
- Round 3: TH would increase its' debt.
- Round 4: TH needs a new war.
- Round 5: The United States should end its alliance with Saudi Arabia.
- Round 6: Supreme Court proceedings should be televised.
- Semis: George Bush's reelection is good for America.
- Finals: In this case, continued United States cooperation with an international organization is counterproductive.
Cougar Classic (Azusa Pacific University)
Topics submitted by Konrad Hack, Azusa Pacific University
- Round 1: TH should tax Indian gaming.
- Round 2: TH should ban embryonic stem cell research.
- Round 3: Keynesian economic policy is better for the United States than Laissez-fair economic policy.
- Round 4: Foreign policy issues should be more important than domestic issues in the 2004 presidential election.
- Round 5: The security of Europe should primarily be the European Union's responsibility.
- Round 6: The size and scope of the United States Federal Government should be dramatically reduced.
- Octafinals: Peace has had its chance.
- Quarters: In 2005, the United States government should protect Social Security's long term survival.
- Semis: The United States should consititutionally codify the right to privacy.
- Finals: The United Nations should veto permanent membership on the Security Council.
Sun God Invitational (University of California-San Diego)
Topics submitted by Danny Cantrell, University of California-San Diego
- Round 1: Resolved: The Food and Drug Administration should be significantly reformed
- Round 2: TH should enact a policy to make U.S. schools more competitive
- Round 3: Resolved: The U.S. federal government should significantly change its foreign policy towards Iran
- Round 4: Resolved: The United Nations does more harm than good
- Round 5: TH should take out the trash
- Round 6: Buy American!
- Round 7: TH should eliminate the ballot initiative process
- Round 8: TH should enact a market based approach to environmental protection
- Octafinals: Resolved: The U.S. should substantially reform social security
- Quarterfinals: Resolved: The U.S. should substantially decrease its influence in foreign elections
- Semifinals: Resolved: The U.S. federal government should substantially change its foreign policy towards Taiwan
- Finals: Resolved: Civil liberties should be an acceptable casualty in the war on terrorism
Icebox Invitational (St. Cloud State)
- Round 1: THBT the future is bleak.
- Round 2: THBT information is the key.
- Round 3: TH believes newer is better.
- Semis: TH would reform our energy policy.
- Finals: THBT the presidency is too powerful.
U.S. Air Force Academy
Topics submitted by Konrad Hack, Azusa Pacific University
- Round 1:TH would decide the fate of stem cell research.
- Round 2: North Korea is a greater threat than Iran.
- Round 3: TH would fix an aging, crippled Social Security.
- Round 4: TH would drop it like it's hot.
- Round 5: Venus, not Mars.
- Round 6: Genocide deserves a great response than natural disasters.
- Elim 1: It is OK to be politically incorrect.
- Elim 2: America's addiction is the problem, not the supply.
- Elim 4: Putin should make allies with democracy.
- Elim 5: The United States should act to clean the air.
PSCFA Spring Championships
Topics submitted by Danny Cantrell, University of California-San Diego
- Round 1 and 2: The United States should substantially decrease the US federal budget deficit.
- Round 3: TH would privatize it.
- Round 4: TH would turn up the volume.
- Round 5: Resolved: The United Nations has become obsolete in the 21st Century.
- Round 6: Resolved: Bush's "Axis of Evil" rhetoric has done more harm than good.
- Octafinals: Resolved: Capital punishment should be put to death.
- Quarters: Resolved: The creation of a Palestinian state would further Middle East peace.
- Semis: Resolved: The FDA has failed America.
- Finals: Resolved: Two Chinas are better than one.
Cerritos College (Tabor-Veritisky)
Topics submitted by Danny Cantrell, University of California-San Diego
This tournament had three topics per round. The government and the opposition could each eliminate one topic.
- ROUND 1:
TH believes individualism does more good than harm
TH believes civil disobedience is the solution
TH believes the time should fit the crime - ROUND 2:
TH believes the best government governs least
TH believes employers should not infringe employees’ personal freedom outside of work
Resolved: that increased restrictions on the civilian possession of firearms would be justified - ROUND 3:
TH should start a brawl
TH should let it slide
Run for the border! - ROUND 4
Go Green!
TH should hit the restart button
TH believes the cup is half full - ROUND 5:
Resolved: The U.S. Federal Government should substantially change its foreign policy towards North Korea
Resolved: The European Union should admit Turkey
Resolved: NATO should dissolve - ROUND 6:
Resolved: The U.S. should reform social security
Resolved: The U.S. should enact a policy to substantially increase the domestic use of renewable energy
Resolved: The U.S. should eliminate indecency laws - Quarterfinals:
Resolved: The U.S. should cancel national missile defense
TH believes standardized tests are the answer
Resolved: The U.S. should withdraw from the United Nations - Semifinals:
Resolved: The U.S. should abolish the death penalty
Resolved: NASA should be privatized
Resolved: Iraq should ask the U.S. military to leave immediately - Finals:
Resolved: The U.S. should substantially change its foreign policy towards Russia
Resolved: President Bush should be tried for war crimes
The U.S. led spread of global democracy does more harm than good.
Arizona State University (Forensic Fiesta)
Topics submitted by Dr. Kelly McDonald, Arizona State University
- Round 1: TH would privatize Social Security.
- Round 2: TH would legalize euthanasia.
- Round 3: TH believes the government has a right to intervene in professional sports.
- Round 4: Resolved: The USFG should substantially increase regulations on Indian gaming.
- Round 5: Resolved: The UN should substantially increase their efforts to curb global warming.
- Round 6: Resolved: The USFG should reform current death penalty laws.
- Octafinals: THBT civil liberties are more important than winning the war on terror.
- Quarters: TH would open the doors on education policy.
- Semis: TH would empower Congress in the confirmation of federal judicial appointments.
- Finals: Resolved: The USFG should negotiate with terrorists.
Minnesota Intercollegiate State Tournament
Topics submitted by Dr. Michael Dreher, Bethel University
- Round 1: Resolved: Minnesota Indian tribes should give back a portion of their profits to the state.
- Round 2: Government-run health care is the right prescription for the United States.
- Round 3: The US federal government should step aboard the friendly skies.
- Round 4: TH would lift up the oppressed.
- Quarters: TH would promote the unfashionable.
- Semis: TH would go back to school on education policy.
- Finals: TH needs another reformation.
Novice Nationals
- Round 1: When it comes to Iran, the carrot is better than the stick.
- Round 2: The FDA needs a new prescription.
- Round 3: TH needs an extreme makeover.
- Round 4: TH believes you can't legislate against stupidity.
- Round 5: The USFG should set standards for conducting elections in all states.
- Round 6: The use of letter grades at the college level should be eliminated.
- Octafinals: TH would subvert the dominant paradigm.
- Quarterfinals: Resolved: The United States is mortgaging its future.
- Semifinals: THBT censorship is justified.
