Government's job is to present a case which argues in favor of a resolution (against the status quo). If the resolution is straight (closed), the Prime Minister must construct a model in the spirit of the resolution. If the round is squirrelable (open), the government would have prepared a case prior to the debate round. In a BP style round, every team has two speakers whom each speak for 7 minutes. In a CP style round, both the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition speak for 10 minutes, leaving time for rebuttal, while their partners only speak for 7 minutes. The following is an outline of the role fulfillment for side Government in a CP round (First half of BP follows a similar pattern).
PMC - Prime Minister's Constructive
- Present Model
- Add Background and Roadmaps
- Case Construction
- Summarize
- Reaffirm Case (Only if MO has misconstrued something)
- Secondary Case Construction
- Rebut Oppositions Points
- Rebuild Prime Minister's Points
- Summarize
- Crystallize round into themes
- Rebut and Rebuild any remaining points through summary
- Explain why you should win the round
The Model
A model is the way government chooses to define the resolution and present the case. This can be done in a very practical way, or it can be based on principles, depending on the resolution. If the model is run in a very practical way, the PM's job is to clearly define the situation they are setting it in. For instance, if the resolution was THW institute a fat tax, the government would have to show how this resolution would take shape (who is being taxed, how is this new system going to be implemented, etc.).
The clearer and more contentious the model, the better the round will be. If a model is too tight (one with little opposition), or if it is too burdensome, or a truism/tautology, side Government will be held accountable. It is best to stick with something specific that can still be argued from a lot of perspectives. By the end of the PM's first minute, it should be very clear what is being debated about.
Government Constructive
With a model clearly laid out, it is time for government to present their case. Before getting right into the constructive points, it is important to get out any background material.
For instance, if Government is arguing that Stop Loss is more favorable than a Draft, this time would be used to explain what Stop Loss is, and how it differs from a draft. Now, given that Government has chosen the debate topic, it is best for Government to have clear themes in mind when presenting arguments. It will not work for Government to present non-sequitor arguments just because they speak in favor of the model. Instead, the Government should lay out the broader concepts (Human Rights, The Long Run, Utility) that will direct the constructive material. Then the Government should present this material as separate points. These points should be ranked from most important to least important. Note, all teams should have around 4 or 5 points, but it is okay for the second speaker to take one or two of them, especially if they are secondary points.
Now the Prime Minister will present side Government's constructive. Each point should have some sort of title, so judges can flow easier. Then, each point should be expanded upon and analyzed using examples and analogies. It does not help your team to just read off your points. (For more on this, see Case Construction)