How do you craft a strong policy resolution for parliamentary debate?

Parliamentary debate is a dynamic and engaging form of argumentation that requires you to propose or oppose a policy resolution. A policy resolution is a statement that advocates a specific course of action by a certain agent or institution. For example, "This house would ban private schools" or "This house believes that the UN should intervene in Myanmar". How do you craft a strong policy resolution for parliamentary debate? Here are some tips to help you.

1 Be clear and concise

A policy resolution should be clear and concise, avoiding ambiguity, vagueness, or complexity. You want to make sure that both sides of the debate understand what the resolution means and what the implications are. A clear and concise resolution also helps you to focus your arguments and avoid irrelevant or tangential issues. For example, instead of "This house supports green energy", a better resolution would be "This house would impose a carbon tax".

Add your perspective

Priscila França de Figueiredo

Mãe do Pedro / Advocacy / Relações Governamentais / Articuladora de Redes Sociais / Terceiro Setor / Gestão Pública / Gestão de Projetos
Report contribution
No caminho da articulação de redes para implementação de políticas públicas o que consegui constatar é que o diálogo entre todos os envolvidos no processo de construção e consolidação dos interesses públicos tem que se dar de forma orgânica e não mecânica. Quando o diálogo se dá apenas de forma “mecânica” os processos se perdem. Quando há um espaço de diálogo de forma “orgânica” por meio de um processo continuado permeado por uma metodologia que gere indicadores referentes aos territórios de atuação do parlamentar, como por exemplo, a criação de espaços de debates com a por meio de “conselhos de mandato” oportunizaria assim, a apresentação de seus projetos para sociedade civil, ONGS´s, associações e ao próprio poder executivo.

Translated

Like

Unhelpful

2 Be balanced and debatable

A policy resolution should be balanced and debatable, meaning that it should not be too biased, extreme, or obvious. You want to create a fair and interesting debate, where both sides have reasonable arguments and evidence to support their positions. A balanced and debatable resolution also helps you to avoid logical fallacies, such as straw man, false dilemma, or slippery slope. For example, instead of "This house would abolish the death penalty", a better resolution would be "This house would limit the use of the death penalty to cases of terrorism".

Add your perspective

Beatriz Falcão

Cientista Política | Relações Institucionais e Governamentais | ESG | Comunicação | Tecnologia
Report contribution
É preciso levar em consideração que um debate político não tem apenas "dois lados". É preciso avaliar os interesses em comum dos stakeholders envolvidos no processo (que podem ser empresas, sociedade civil, ongs, associações - ou todas as opções acima). O caminho mais democrático, portanto, é abrir espaço para que todos os atores envolvidos manifestem suas posições frente ao tomador de decisão. Nem sempre todas as considerações levadas ao debate serão consideradas no processo decisório final, faz parte. Mas é cada vez mais fundamental que o debate público seja pautado em dados, com metodologia científica adequada, que especialistas sejam ouvidos e não seja movido tão somente por paixões.

Translated

Like

Unhelpful
Noura Al Harasi

Msc Governance & Public Policies | PMP | Research | Engineering
Report contribution
A strong policy resolution should indeed be framed in a way that encourages a healthy debate and that is neither too biased towards one viewpoint nor too extreme that it alienates potential support. Essential to its effectiveness is engaging stakeholders, incorporating their perspectives to enrich the debate and enhance the resolution's relevance and feasibility. This approach fosters a dynamic examination of the issue, encourages diverse viewpoints, supports the development of robust, widely supported policies, and ensures it sparks a fair and constructive discussion.

Like

Unhelpful

3 Be relevant and timely

A policy resolution should be relevant and timely, meaning that it should address a current or important issue that affects the audience or the society. You want to engage the attention and interest of the judges and the spectators, as well as demonstrate your awareness and knowledge of the topic. A relevant and timely resolution also helps you to use credible and updated sources, such as news articles, reports, or statistics. For example, instead of "This house would legalize marijuana", a better resolution would be "This house would decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana".

Add your perspective

4 Be specific and realistic

A policy resolution should be specific and realistic, meaning that it should define the key terms and the scope of the action, as well as consider the feasibility and the consequences of the action. You want to avoid confusion or misunderstanding, as well as unrealistic or impractical proposals that would undermine your credibility and persuasiveness. A specific and realistic resolution also helps you to provide concrete and detailed arguments and examples, as well as anticipate and address potential counterarguments and objections. For example, instead of "This house would reform the health care system", a better resolution would be "This house would implement a single-payer health care system in the US".

Add your perspective

5 Be original and creative

A policy resolution should be original and creative, meaning that it should not be too common, boring, or predictable. You want to challenge yourself and your opponents, as well as showcase your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. An original and creative resolution also helps you to stand out from the crowd and impress the judges and the spectators, as well as explore new or alternative perspectives and solutions. For example, instead of "This house would increase the minimum wage", a better resolution would be "This house would introduce a universal basic income".

Add your perspective

6 Be flexible and adaptable

A policy resolution should be flexible and adaptable, meaning that it should not be too rigid, narrow, or fixed. You want to be able to adjust your arguments and strategies according to the feedback, the context, and the dynamics of the debate. A flexible and adaptable resolution also helps you to avoid being trapped or cornered by your opponents, as well as respond to new or unexpected information or challenges. For example, instead of "This house would ban nuclear weapons", a better resolution would be "This house would support the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons".

Add your perspective