Debate on Population Regulation
On Friday October 26, 2012 a debate will be held in Environmental Science concerning the very real
problem of population growth. Although many recognize the problem of population growth, few seem to
have a solution about how to deal with this growing problem. A solution that could be put into law was
proposed by Period 4 class and will be debated by all periods in a pro and con format (rules to follow).
The Law that is to be debated: Every woman will be allowed to have 2 children. If the woman
decides to have more than 2 children the 3rd child will cost a heavy tax. The woman is permitted
to have a 3rd child without being taxed if the 3rd child is adopted.
 The law will only be enforced once it is passed, and all children born previous to the law
will be grandfathered in and NOT subject to being taxed.
 If a third child is born due to a biological reason (triplets or twins) the law does not
apply
Pro Side:
The above law should be passed and put into law for all citizens of the United States
Con Side:
The above law is not a good or fair solution and should NOT be put into law for any citizen of the USA.
The Debate format: Each Team will be sitting in horizontal rows facing the other team (2 rows of chairs
facing one way, and two other rows of chairs facing opposite) There will be an aisle in-between. When a
person or people are presenting their point they should stand. There will be NO COMMENTS from the
other team while one team is presenting their case. Save the comments for the rebuttal. Each team may
decide to not use all of the allotted time, but MUST STOP IMMEDIATELY at the end of the time that they
are given. Time will be strictly followed.
6 minute Position Presentation - Pro
6 minute Position Presentation - Con
5 minute Work Period
4 minute Rebuttal - Pro
4 minute Rebuttal - Con
3 minute Work Period
2 minute Response - Pro
2 minute Response - Con
1 minute Work Period
2 minute Position Summary - Pro or Con
2 minute Position Summary - Pro or Con
REVIEW and FINAL DECISION WILL BE MADE BY THE PEOPLES REPRESENTATIVE (SLATS)
Prep: Each team member should choose a role of a person with some vested interest in the subject to
play. Each person should consider and defend the viewpoint of this person. Research should be done in
advance, and the team should talk about the way that they would like to present each person and their
debate points.
Possible Roles to Consider: (Choose one of these or pick your own)
 Barack Obama
 Mitt Romney
 Sarah Palin
 Al Gore
 State Senator
 Lawyer
 Republican
 Democrat
 Husband with kids
 Wife with kids
 Biologist
 3rd child
 Adopted child
 Religious person
 Planned Parenthood representative
 Pharmaceutical Sales Person
 Pediatrician
You are encouraged to make signs, posters, bring props, dress up and research your topic
thoroughly to prepare. Be creative and have fun!
Websites to Begin Research (you may use other sources as well):
http://www.npg.org/index.html
http://www.census.gov/
http://www.census.gov/main/www/popclock.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/carl-safina/population-growth_b_1499281.html
http://www.overpopulation.org/
http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/campaigns/overpopulation/index.html
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090418075752.htm
http://articles.cnn.com/2007-09-25/tech/overpopulation.overview_1_world-populationpopulation-institute-population-estimates?_s=PM:TECH
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/global/2010/03/there-is-no-overpopulation-problem/20057/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/joelkotkin/2011/10/27/overpopulation-isnt-the-problem-its-toofew-babies/
http://geography.about.com/od/populationgeography/a/onechild.htm
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/10/chinas-population-laws-th_n_185626.html
http://www.npg.org/specialreports/imm&uspopgrowth.htm