Civics debate topics for the classroom

Discussions and debates on politics are a cornerstone of any democratic society, and now it’s easy to make them a cornerstone of your lessons with our list of engaging civics debate topics!

To get started, head over to Kialo Edu today — it’s completely free and always will be! Check out these civics debate topics in our extensive Topic Library to create engaging discussions and open the debate chamber in your classroom.

General civics debate topics

Civics debate topics on democracy

Civics debate topics on economic policy

Civics debate topics on educational policy

  • Are there too many school holidays?
  • Should education systems place less emphasis on rote learning?
  • Does higher education in Latin America deepen inequalities?
  • Has government investment improved rural schools in China?
  • Should schools provide free meals for all students?
  • Should schools start later in the day?
  • Should students in the UK still have to take GCSEs?
  • Should the government of India spend a greater percentage of its GDP on education?
  • Should the US government have more control over charter schools?
  • Should university be free?
  • What is the most effective strategy to increase school attendance in areas with low rates?
  • What is the best way for the government to address education inequalities for girls?

Civics debate topics on environmental policy

Civics debate topics on human rights

  • Do children need privacy?
  • Does the Universal Declaration of Human Rights meet the needs of every country?
  • Has the Maputo Protocol been effective in improving women’s rights in Africa?
  • Should all women have the right to an abortion?
  • Should foreign intervention be used to protect women’s rights?
  • Should governments accord the same importance to cultural rights as they do to human rights?
  • Should governments impose population controls?
  • Should human rights be part of politics?
  • Should LGBTQ+ people automatically be granted asylum in “safe” countries?
  • Should prisoners have the right to vote?
  • Should wealthier countries be forced to accept more refugees?
  • Should governments pay reparations to women?
  • What is the best way for international organizations to collaborate with governments to improve LQBTQ+ rights?

Civics debate topics on international relations

Civics debate topics on media

Civics debate topics on national security

  • Is Japan justified in updating its security policies?
  • Is there likely to be military conflict over the Taiwan Strait?
  • Is torture justifiable in the name of security?
  • Is war ever justifiable?
  • Should societies prioritize freedom over security?
  • Was China justified in implementing the national security law in Hong Kong?
  • What is the best way to deal with abusive governments and armed groups?
  • What is the biggest threat to global security?
  • Will the African Union’s Peace and Security Council be effective in improving security in Africa?

Civics debate topics on public health

Civics debate topics on religion

Civics debate topics on the law and justice systems

Looking for debate topics in more languages? We’ve got you covered! Explore our extensive collection to spark captivating class discussions with students, no matter the language you’re teaching in.

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