35 Political Debate Topics For High School Students

Have you ever witnessed a healthy and heated political debate that made you think critically about important issues? Political debates are not only engaging but also provide an excellent opportunity to teach high school students valuable skills such as critical thinking, public speaking, and active citizenship.

However, selecting the right topic that captures students’ interest and sparks curiosity is essential for a successful and productive debate. Let’s dive into some factors to consider when choosing a thought-provoking and balanced topic for high school political debates.

In this article, we will provide some potential political debate topics for high school students that can encourage them to consider different perspectives, evaluate complex issues, and become informed and engaged citizens.

Engaging political debate topics for high school students

Politics is an inevitable aspect of life as citizens of a country. As a result, students must learn about politics, and one of the most effective ways to achieve this is by engaging them in political debates, and also using them in some public speaking camps!

 If you are an educator seeking political debate topics to engage your students, you need not search any further since we have compiled a list of topics that you can utilize in your classroom anytime.

1. Should the voting age be changed?
2. Should education be free for all students?
3. Should there be stricter gun control laws?
4. Should the government regulate social media?
5. Should the government invest more in renewable energy?
6. Should military spending be increased or decreased?
7. Should taxes on the wealthy be increased or decreased?
8. Should single-use plastic products be banned?
9. Should the minimum wage be increased?
10. Should the government implement a wealth tax?
11. Should the government regulate birth control?
12. Is democracy the best form of government?
13. Should healthcare be a basic human right, and if so, how can it be made affordable for everyone?
14. How can governments address climate change?
15. How can income inequality be reduced?
16. How can we ensure that everyone has equal access to the right to vote?
17. How can personal data be protected while ensuring national security?
18. How can we promote fairness and equity for all people?
19. What should social media platforms do to regulate content and address issues such as fake news and hate speech?
20. Should animal testing be banned?
21. Should the drinking age be lowered or raised?
22. Should the government provide a universal basic income for all?
23. Should standardized testing be eliminated in schools?
24. Should the government provide free public Wi-Fi?
25. Should the government increase funding for public libraries?
26. Should the government provide free childcare for working parents?
27. Should the government make strict regulations for companies to be more environmentally friendly to run?
28. Should the government provide free menstrual products for all women
29. Mobile banking is not a safe procedure.
30. Should Birth control pills or contraception be available to teenagers? Or Implementation of sex education subjects in high school by the government
31. Is free speech a personal right?
32. How should governments address the issue of illegal immigration while protecting human rights and maintaining national security?
33. How can governments ensure that members of the LGBTQ+ community are treated equally under the law and protected from discrimination in all aspects of their lives?
34. What can the government do to help homeless people, and how can we work together to prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place?
35. Should the government regulate the internet to protect people’s privacy and prevent cyberbullying, or should the internet be completely free and unregulated?

Benefits of political debates topics for high schoolers: How it helps to shape them as individual

Participating in political debates can have several benefits for high schoolers.

• Firstly, it provides them with a platform to express their opinions and ideas in a safe and constructive environment. This helps them build confidence and develop their public speaking skills, which can be useful in many areas of life. You can also start engaging grade 4th and 5th students with easy debate topics to prepare them from the start.

• Secondly, much like argumentative research topics, political debate topics require students to research and analyze complex issues, which can help them develop critical thinking and analytical skills. They learn how to evaluate information from different sources, weigh the pros and cons of different arguments, and come to their own conclusions. 

• Thirdly, political debates expose students to different perspectives and ideas. They learn to listen to others, respect differing opinions, and engage in constructive dialogue. This can help them develop empathy and understanding for people with different backgrounds and viewpoints.

• Lastly, political debates help students become more engaged and informed citizens. They learn about current events and how they can make a difference in their communities. This can inspire them to become active participants in the democratic process, whether by voting, volunteering, or advocating for change.

Conclusion

Rember as a teacher can play a crucial role in selecting a balanced topic, providing clear guidelines, mediating the debate, and facilitating a reflective debriefing session as the debate end. To make the whole experience smooth and effective for students.

So, as we have explored various topics, and learned various benefits of political debates. You can also explore some critical thinking books to start brainstorming for your next debate!