Debate Topics
The Papers and Writings of Abraham Lincoln, Complete by Lincoln, Abraham
Pick a story conflict
The Limits of Executive Power
"Is it ever justifiable for a president to exceed the explicitly defined limits of their constitutional power in times of national crisis?"
The Morality of Unconditional Surrender
"Is demanding unconditional surrender a morally justifiable strategy, even if it prolongs the war and increases suffering, or should the Union be open to negotiated peace terms that might preserve some aspects of the Confederacy?"
The Nature of Justice and Reconciliation
"Following the Civil War, should the focus be on punishing the Confederate leaders and imposing strict terms of surrender, or on reconciliation and rebuilding the nation with a spirit of forgiveness, even if it means compromising on justice?"
The Role of Popular Sovereignty
"Does the principle of popular sovereignty, allowing individual communities to decide on the legality of slavery, uphold democratic ideals, or does it betray fundamental human rights and national unity?"
💡 How Debates Work
Characters naturally disagree on some subjects, as the author intended! Discover the tensions that drive the story. Features: pre-loaded questions, clickable prompts; characters who remember and talk authentically based on their values. Jump back into your favorite stories in a whole new way.