Constructing a Negative Case

November 1, 2007

Once again we stay with the formula. This big principle + This smaller Principle = The big picture rather than the conclusion. Just a little change because this case is shorter considering you must also rebut the Aff’s case – remember that. Since it is shorter, it needs to pack a big punch rather quickly and succinctly. You also don’t have to worry about adding a contention that’s a direct clash to the Aff because you are going to do that anyway in your rebuttal. Some debaters make the mistake of making a long Neg case and end up dropping the Aff case during the Neg Constructive because they run out of time. It’s always good to limit the Neg case to one or two contentions. For my example, I will use two contentions but you can easily do the same thing with one contention and two subpoints.

Once again we are using the topic: “Resolved: The best form of government is one that is based on Utilitarianism.” My Paramount Value will be Justice defined as giving each his due. My Value Criterion or Standard for the round will be Categorical Comparative where one must be just on both sides. In other words, the means and the ends must be just. I will agree with the Aff’s definitions. Unlike the Aff, this case is at a disadvantage because it’s depicting an ideal that doesn’t exist.

Just like the Aff case, the first contention should center around the Paramount Value of Justice. Since Justice is used a majority of the time in most cases, you want to make sure you use different methods of analyzation in your cases so you don’t get repetitive from one case to the next. For this topic we want to know why it is good to have a just government? What are the benefits? For example, a just society could be a more productive one. It could also be a safer one. The key is realizing that you are explaining a utopian society. This is the (This big principle) part of the formula.

(This contention relates to the Paramount Value – Justice)
Contention I – A legitimate government should strive to be just.
A. Card or example of how this is true.
B. Card or example of how this is true.

The second contention must illustrate how the smaller principle can enhance the big picture. It focuses on the Value Criterion. The judge needs to understand that with categorical imperative I can obtain a just society unlike my opponent who needs to acknowledge the majority can be wrong. If a government were to actually utilize categorical imperative, that would mean that it couldn’t use people as a means to an end. With this philosophy, the minority is always protected. If presented correctly, this contention could set up the idea that this ideology is what a government should have been based on in the first place. Remember, the problem is there are no real life examples that can benefit the Neg. Thus, the only strategy is to seek flaws with utilitarianism and hope the judge buys it. For example, slavery wouldn’t have existed and all legal aged citizens would have been given the right to vote from the very beginning.

(This contention relates to the Value Criterion – Categorical Imperative)
Contention II – Utilizing Categorical Imperative brings about true justice.
A. Card or example of how this is true.
B. Card or example of how this is true.

This of course is not saying that all cases need to be set up this way. It’s simply one method that has proven to be successful over time. The key is being able to do it without being repetitive. Regardless of what method you develop, you definitely need to make sure your arguments all link to values. It’s also very important you make sure the judge gets the big picture to increase your chances of winning. What I like about these cases is it allows for some in depth analysis of a topic rather than simply stacking cards on top of cards.