Teacher Reviews

Televised debates have become a traditional and integral part of the election process. Debates can introduce voters to candidates' positions on key campaign issues. They can also enable voters to judge the temperament, knowledge, communication skills and personalities of the candidates.

Debates can take a variety of formats. One format uses a panel of experts or journalists to ask the candidates questions. In a single moderator format, one person is selected to question the candidates. A town hall meeting debate format gives audience members the opportunity to directly question the candidates. In most formats, candidates are given a limited time to answer the questions. The topics addressed at debates can be wide-ranging, or the questions may center on select themes or issues.