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Debate is an essential activity in democratic societies.
More than two thousand years ago, when democracy first flourish in Athens, citizens met regularly in public assembles' their votes determined the policy and the actions of the state. Today debate is still essential to democracy. Like their predecessor from earlier centuries, citizens argue about what is best for their societies, and shape the course of law, policy and action. Members of IDEA use the Karl Popper Debate Format, which was designed to encourage cooperation and teamwork. The debaters work together in teams of three and prepare to debate both sides of an issue.