Social Studies Debate Kit

“Don't raise your voice, improve your argument.”

— Desmond Tutu, a human rights activist from South Africa

“In all debates, let truth be thy aim, not victory, or an unjust interest.”

— William Penn, founder of the American colony that became the state of Pennsylvania

“It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.”

— Joseph Joubert, a French writer who died in 1824

“I love argument. I love debate. I don't expect anyone just to sit there and agree with me. That's not their job.”

— Margaret Thatcher, first female prime minister of the United Kingdom

Indian independence leader Mohandas Gandhi is considered one of the greatest leaders of the 20th century. He often debated his fellow revolutionaries on politics, religion, culture, and the best way to achieve independence from Great Britain. Gandhi’s public-speaking skills eventually inspired thousands of people in India to join his nonviolent quest to protest British rule of their country.

The 16th U.S. president is widely considered one of the best public speakers—and debaters—in history. During a July 1858 debate against Stephen Douglas for a U.S. Senate seat, Lincoln uttered this famous phrase: “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”

The anti-apartheid leader and 1993 Nobel Peace Prize winner used his skills at debating, public speaking, and speech writing to challenge—and change—South Africa’s system of oppression. As the president of South Africa, Mandela often encouraged debate as essential to the democratic process.

The first female prime minister of the United Kingdom was widely respected for her eloquent speeches and debating skills. In fact, experts say Thatcher’s speeches helped fuel her rise to power at a time when many women lacked prominent roles in politics. Thatcher’s 1976 speech “Britain Awake” helped make the case for strengthening the nation’s defenses during the Cold War and earned her the nickname the “Iron Lady.”