Most debates impose time limits on answers to ensure that all candidates have equal opportunity to respond. Topics may focus on a wide range of issues or may be on a particular theme such as education or the economy. General election presidential debates usually divide the time between foreign and domestic topics. Candidates may have an opening statement or a moderator may introduce each candidate and begin questioning immediately. In most debates candidates have a closing statement.
Questions guide the content of debates.
Initial questions get the debate started by asking candidates to explain or defend a position or compare it to an opponent's. Follow-up questions are directed at a candidate after an answer is given. Their purpose is to probe the original response by asking for elaboration or clarification. Some follow-up questions are on an unrelated topic. Follow-up questions may be asked immediately after an initial response is given or after all candidates have answered the initial question.