Abstract
This manuscript emphasizes the role of debate in promoting individual competencies necessary for democratic engagement. By simulating actual democratic processes, our debate course provided students with practical experience in deliberation and perspective-taking. This approach encourages students to navigate complex societal issues, fostering an appreciation of the nuances of argumentation while cultivating empathy towards differing viewpoints. These findings suggest that structured debates can serve as a tool for promoting democratic skills among college students, preparing them to become informed, active participants in their political communities.