Affirmative Case Construction

October 1, 2007

I’m sure there are many theories on how to build a case but the method I’m going to show you is a proven winner. Just like math, you need to find a formula that works. But remember, you are not only competing with your opponent but the judge as well. If they are lost or confused, you may lose regardless of whether you destroyed your opponent. There’s two ways to make a case. You either use deductive reasoning or inductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning is the worse way because you are assuming too much. By the 4th or 5th round, your judge may be too tired to figure out what you are talking about. Therefore, the better way is deductive reasoning. Usually it is This + This = That. But for me, it’s This + Not This = That. It’s basically the same formula but I’ll explain more as we go. So let’s begin.

The topic this case would work well with is “Resolved: The best form of government is one that is based on Utilitarianism.” For this article, I’ll show you how to construct the Aff case and my next article will focus on the Neg case. So let’s pick our values. My paramount value will be Democratic Principles where you utilize the majority rule theory. My value criterion or standard will be Utilitarianism which is the greater good for the greater number. As I said before, don’t let anyone tell you that my standard is abusive simply because the Neg can’t use it. That is merely a theory but it is not fact. Now let’s look at our definitions. “Government” will be defined as a type of political system. “Based” will be defined as the main component or ingredient of something. Finally, “Utilitarianism” will be defined as the greater good for the greater number. Realize that the Aff has a huge advantage because the debate is taking place in the US where we have a democracy.

Basically, once you have picked your values the case is already made. All you need to do is find facts and examples to support your reasoning. The first contention should deal with the Paramount Value. This is an opportunity for you to actually give an analysis as to why Democracy is a good thing. For example, it allows for peace and a market place of ideas. You want the judge to have an understanding of what do you get with Democratic Principles. If you choose to do Subpoints, you can either make them unique or basically the same. For example, Subpoint A could be a philosopher explaining the value of democracy and Subpoint B could be an actual example of how it works. This is not the same as simply arguing Democratic Principles at the top of your case. It’s your job to make sure you don’t get repetitive and make sure that the first Contention does not just simply repeat what you said about Democratic Principles during the values debate.

(This Contention relates to the Paramount Value – Democratic Principles)
Contention I – Democratic Principles promote societal good.
Subpoint A – Card or Example of how this is true.
Subpoint B – Card or Example of how this is true

The second contention should present a clear argument as to why the Neg can’t win. All you need to do is give examples of other forms of governments that are unjust. For example, Communism or a Dictatorship. Simple right? This allows the judge to see why it would be better to go with the Aff as opposed to the Neg. And just like in the first contention, you can apply Subpoints where each gives a specific reason or example illustrating why this is true. The reason I call this the “Not This” contention is because it shows what could happen if the Neg wins which can’t happen, and if it’s a good argument and the judge buys it – it could greatly improve your chances of winning.

(This Contention explains why other forms of government won’t work. Thus, the Neg can’t win for this very reason)
Contention II – Other forms of government have injustices.
Subpoint A – Card or Example of how this is true.
Subpoint B - Card or example of how this is true.

The third contention should be based on the most important argument which is the standard or criterion. This should illustrate how it’s possible to achieve your paramount value. Here, I’m trying to show that with Utilitarianism you have the best chance to right a wrong simply because most people are moral. For example, women now have the right to vote and we no longer have separate but equal. This is really why the judge needs to vote for you. The key is again not to make it repetitive with contention I. The more emotional the better because you want the judge to clearly understand why you should win. The point of this contention is to show that if the majority of people are indeed moral, then we are better off using Democratic Principles.

(This contention relates to the standard – Utilitarianism)
Contention III – Utilitarianism allows for morality.
Subpoint A – Card or Example of how this is true.
Subpoint B – Card or Example of how this is true.

Like I said, there are many ways of doing it but at least with this formula you no longer have to worry about your opponent or your judge wondering how each contention links to your standard. Also, you want your opponent to have to beat you on three levels as opposed to one. If every contention dealt with utilitarianism, all you would need is one good argument to destroy the case. With this formula, the Neg has to refute three different arguments to gain an edge.