Mock Constitutional Debate Guiding Questions
Utilize these questions as a way to begin your research and prepare for your debate role. This list is NOT
exhaustive of what could be discussed in the debate. Your goal is to utilize this background information about
your founding father in order to flesh out your knowledge of the individual and portray them effectively in the
debate. You’re taking on their persona and will be “in character” during the debate. Let me caution you--DO
NOT SIMPLY FILL OUT THESE QUESTIONS AND EXPECT IT TO BE ENOUGH PREPARATION FOR
YOUR DEBATE.
Who is your assigned founder?
What state was your founder representing?
Do you support the ratification of the constitution or not? Depending upon this answer, you will be either a
FEDERALIST or ANTI-FEDERALIST. Determine which faction you belong to.
What is your age at the time of the debate?
What are your opinions of the constitution as it is written? Why do you feel this way?
Do you prefer a strong national government or strong states governments? Why?
What is your view on individual rights and liberties and how does the Constitution address them? Does it
address these to your liking or not? Why?
How do you feel about:
The New Jersey Plan?
The Virginia Plan?
The Great Compromise?
How do you feel about the institution of slavery (remember this is not YOUR personal opinoin--it is the opinion
of the founder that you are representing.
The ⅗ Compromise?
What items are you willing to compromise on in order to allow ratification of the Constitution?