Constructing an Affirmative Case
Listen to the short podcast episode here (4:17)
When you debate on the affirmative side, your job is to prove that the resolution is true. You aren’t just stating your opinion - you are making a structured argument that convinces the judge your position is the correct one. A strong affirmative case is built on three essential components: a framework, a set of contentions, and a clear strategy for persuasion.
Step 1: Establish Your Framework
Every Lincoln-Douglas case starts with a framework, which includes your core value and value criterion. This is how you define what is most important in the debate and how the judge should evaluate the round.
If the resolution is “The development of Artificial General Intelligence is immoral,” your value might be morality, and your criterion might be minimizing harm.
If the resolution is “The United States ought to become party to the Rome Statute of the ICC,” your value might be justice, and your criterion might be protecting human rights.
Your framework sets the terms of the debate. It tells the judge what standard they should use when deciding which side wins.
Step 2: Present Your Contentions
Contentions are your main arguments - the reasons why your side of the resolution is true. A good case has two or three strong contentions, each supported by logic and evidence.
For example, if you were affirming “The development of Artificial General Intelligence is immoral,” your contentions might be:
AGI threatens human autonomy - Once machines can make decisions for us, we lose control over major aspects of life.
AGI increases the risk of mass harm - If AI systems make mistakes or are used maliciously, the consequences could be devastating.
AGI removes moral responsibility - Machines do not have ethical reasoning, so they cannot be held accountable for their actions.
Each contention should be backed by examples, reasoning, and evidence. The goal is to create a logical structure that makes it difficult for your opponent to refute your position.
Step 3: Anticipate and Strengthen
A strong affirmative case does more than just present arguments - it prepares for attacks. Before a round, ask yourself:
What are the most likely negative arguments? Can you predict how your opponent will try to disprove you?
Do my contentions connect to my framework? If your arguments don’t directly support your value and criterion, they will be easy to dismiss.
Is my case clear and persuasive? Judges won’t vote for you if they don’t fully understand your arguments.
The Bottom Line
Your affirmative case is your roadmap for the debate. If it’s structured well, it will set the terms of the round and put you in control. A clear framework, well-developed contentions, and strong preparation will make your case stand out - and make it much harder for your opponent to tear down.