Introduction

This document presents a potential debate topic for the 2026-2027 National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) debate season, focusing on the critical issue of limiting the powers of the President of the United States. The proposed topic, centered around increasing statutory and/or judicial restrictions on presidential emergency powers, offers a timely and engaging subject for student debaters.

Topic Analysis

The paper details the timeliness of this topic, highlighting recent uses of emergency powers and their implications. It also explores the significant educational value, intersecting constitutional law, national security, international relations, trade policy, and civil liberties. The literature base is robust, drawing from legal scholarship, think tanks, and historical case studies from institutions like the Brennan Center, Cato Institute, and Brookings.

Debate Framework

The document outlines potential affirmative cases, such as reforming the Insurrection Act, limiting economic sanctions authority, and prohibiting unilateral tariff imposition. It also details potential negative strategies, including disadvantages related to executive flexibility, midterms, court legitimacy, and separation of powers, as well as counter-plans focusing on executive self-restraint and congressional action.

Key Terms

Definitions for crucial terms like "statutory restrictions" and "judicial restrictions" are provided to ensure clarity and a shared understanding of the debate's parameters.