You are a speaker in a debate on the topic “Civilian rule is better than military." Write your contribution for or against the motion.

Answer Details

Model debate speech (arguing FOR the motion): 'Civilian rule is better than military rule.'

Mr. Chairman, accurate timekeeper, distinguished judges, co-debaters, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. I rise with confidence to support the motion that civilian rule is better than military rule, and by the time I resume my seat, I trust that no honest listener will remain in doubt.

My first and strongest point is that civilian rule is founded on the will of the people. Under a civilian government, leaders are chosen through free elections, and the people can vote out any government that fails them. Military rule, on the contrary, is imposed by force; it silences the ballot box and rules by the barrel of the gun.

Secondly, civilian rule guarantees fundamental human rights and the rule of law. Under it, citizens enjoy freedom of speech, of the press and of association, and the courts protect the weak against the strong. Military regimes, however, suspend the constitution, muzzle the press, detain critics without trial and rule by decree.

Thirdly, civilian rule provides for accountability and separation of powers. The legislature makes the laws, the executive carries them out, and the judiciary interprets them, so that no single person becomes a tyrant. Military rule fuses all these powers in one hand and breeds dictatorship.

Finally, civilian rule enjoys international respect and attracts investment and cooperation. The community of nations shuns governments that seize power unconstitutionally, and this isolation harms the economy and the ordinary citizen.

I concede that some military regimes have claimed to fight corruption and disorder. But history shows that force cannot cure the ills of society; it only postpones and worsens them, while destroying the very freedoms it pretends to protect.

Mr. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, government of the people, by the people and for the people is superior to government by the gun. On these grounds, I urge this house to vote overwhelmingly in favour of the motion. Thank you all.