The Roman Debates: The Cases
Case 1: Patricians Vs Plebeians
Arguments:
Patricians and Plebeians should be treated equally under the law.
They should have equal rights in all matters.
Patricians and Plebeians should NOT be treated equally under the
law. They should NOT have equal rights in all matters.
Case 2: Caesar Vs Augustus
Arguments:
Caesar was a superior ruler, Augusts was not as effective as the
leader of Rome.
Augusts was a superior ruler, Caesar was not as effective as the
leader of Rome.
Case 3: The Republic Vs The Empire
Arguments:
The Roman Republic was truly the height of prosperity in ancient
Rome.
The Roman Empire was truly the height of prosperity in ancient
Rome.
The Date of the Great Debate:
The Roman Debates: The Rules
Group Rules and Expectations
 Establish the 4 main points that you will make in support of your argument during the debate.
o Ex: Caesar was the superior ruler because________________.
 Together, think of possible counter arguments for each main point. In other words, what do you
think the other team will say to disprove your points?
 Think of how you will respond to each counter argument.
 During the debate, take turns sharing. Only respond in a respectful manner.
 Understand that Mrs. Trow, debate judge, has final say in all arguments.
 Use the information that Mrs. Trow provides AND your own research to come up with your
arguments and counter arguments. ***This will include pages 224-228 in your textbook.
Individual Participant Rules & Expectations
 Receive your debate team assignment.
 Read the provided debate research materials and highlight key information.
 Conduct any additional research needed independently.
 Transfer facts/ points to index cards. Make at least one index card for each
of your team’s 4 main points. Include counter arguments.
 Label each index card with your name or keep them on a ring. At the end of
the debate, turn in your note cards for a grade.
 Participate (speak) in the debate a minimum of 4 times.
The Roman Debates: The Arguments
Argument 1:
Counter Argument 1:
Response to Counter Argument:
Argument 2:
Counter Argument 2:
Response to Counter Argument:
Argument 3:
Counter Argument 3:
Response to Counter Argument:
Argument 4:
Counter Argument 4:
Response to Counter Argument:
The Roman Debates: The Debate Format
On the day of the debate, your team will follow these steps:
 Sit in the back of the classroom in a row with your team.
 Mrs. Trow will state your debate topic.
 The first member of your team will share their first point.
 The first member of the opposing team will make a counter response.
 The second member of your team will respond to the counter attack.
 Then, the opposing team will share their first point.
 The third member of your group will make a counter response.
 The third member of the opposing team will respond to the counter attack.
 The fourth member of your team will state your second main point.
 The fourth member of the opposing team will make a counter response.
 The fifth member of your team will respond to the counter attack.
 This will continue through the 4 main points of each argument or until Mrs.
Trow ends the debate and asks the class to vote on a winner.
 Class members will use a voting ballet to cast their vote and a winner will be
announced.