Affirmative and negative cases for policy propositions

1. Affirmative and negative cases for policy propositions

2. Framework • Status Quo Policy: The U.N. accepts Iran’s nuclear weapons program. • Proposed Policy: The U.N. should use military force to end Iran’s nuclear weapons program. • Alternative Policies: ??? (The U.N. should use economic sanctions, diplomatic efforts, etc.) • Affirmative Case: Argue for the Proposed Policy • Negative Case: Argue for the Status Quo Policy or an Alternative Policy

3. Affirmative – Argue for the proposed policy • Prove that there is a problem with the status quo policy, and explain the reasons for that problem. • Add more detail to the proposed policy solution if necessary. • Prove that the proposed solution is both practical and workable. • Prove that the proposed solution is the best of all possible solutions. • Show that the benefits of adopting the proposed solution outweigh the costs.

4. Negative– Argue for the status quo policy • Prove that there is no problem with the status quo policy, and explain the reasons why there is no problem. Note: Do not simply refute the affirmative’s case point by point. Save this for cross-examination and rebuttal.

5. Negative– Argue for an alternative policy • Prove that there is a problem with the status quo policy, and explain the reasons for that problem. • Propose an alternative policy solution to the problem. • Prove that the proposed solution is both practical and workable. • Prove that the proposed solution is the best of all possible solutions. • Show that the benefits of adopting the proposed solution outweigh the costs.

6. General points The standard rules of good writing apply… • Be upfront about your definitions. • Pay attention to thesis (conclusion), evidence (premise), and organization (argument). • Use rhetorical strategies – Your objective isn’t to be right, rather it’s to convince the audience that you’re right.