Speak Up, Stand Out: Your Guide to Congress Debate

Have you ever wanted to write a law like “no homework ever again” a rule that could change the life of every student across the country? What if I told you there’s a fun, real way to pretend you're in Congress and actually debate that idea?

Welcome to Congressional Debate—a place where students become lawmakers, argue their ideas, and vote on pretend bills and resolutions that could totally shake up the world (or at least your school!).

In Congress Debate (or just "Congress" for short), you get to:

• Write and debate mock laws (yep, your “no homework” bill is welcome!)

• Give speeches for or against other students’ ideas

• Ask sharp questions that challenge points like a true debater

• Vote on whether these pretend laws should pass or fail

What makes Congress special is that it’s like a big group discussion—but with structure. You take turns speaking, questioning, and reacting to each other’s arguments. It’s speech, debate, and a little performance, all rolled into one!

I got hooked on Congress because it's not just about memorizing facts. It's about thinking on your feet, speaking with confidence, and making your voice heard. Plus, the topics are fun and relevant, you might debate anything from climate change to TikTok bans to, yes, homework rules.

If you’re new to debate, don’t worry! Everyone starts somewhere, and Congress is one of the friendliest formats to jump into. It’s a great place to build your confidence, learn from others, and get better every round.

Want to learn more and get started with your own debate journey?

Reach out to DebatExcel.org at info@debatexcel.org for more information on how to get involved, improve your skills, and make your ideas count.