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Should there be mandatory national service? Should there be mandatory national service?
No, mandatory service should not exist No, mandatory service should not exist
Yes, mandatory service is essential Yes, mandatory service is essential
Mandatory service requirements infringe on civil rights Mandatory service requirements infringe on civil rights
Mandatory service requirements are easily manipulated Mandatory service requirements are easily manipulated
Mandatory service keeps the country safe Mandatory service keeps the country safe
Mandatory service promotes patriotism and unity Mandatory service promotes patriotism and unity
Mandatory service can save governments money Mandatory service can save governments money
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Should there be mandatory national service?
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Yes, mandatory service is essential

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Mandatory service promotes patriotism and unity

Mandatory service provides a sense of patriotism and duty for citizens. An increased level of pride from an individual to their nation leads to a healthier population.
Dan Glickman
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The Argument

Mandatory national service gives citizens more pride in their nation. Citizens become more invested in keeping the country safe and thriving. In countries with deep partisan divides, like the US and UK, mandatory national service would help foster cross-partisan relationships. [1] Sweden, rated one of the happiest countries in the world, has mandatory national service. [1] An appreciation and commitment to the country enhance the respect that the citizens have for it. This respect is crucial for the success of the nation's politics and economy. [2] Mandatory national service helps citizens better understand the sacrifice and process of serving their country. [3] Citizens' engagement through national service, in turn, promotes voting and increases government to citizen interaction. Mandatory national service would help citizens bond and come together over their shared experiences.

Counter arguments

Mandatory service harms the quality of life for citizens and does not promote unity. Racism, sexism, and misogyny would continue to permeate these spaces. [4] Mandatory national service can cause post-traumatic stress and other disorders in those who are forced to serve. [5] These disorders do not promote unity or patriotism in citizens, but harms the views of the nation by the citizens.

Proponents

Premises

Rejecting the premises

References

  1. https://www.procon.org/headlines/mandatory-national-service-top-3-pros-and-cons/
  2. https://debatepedia.idebate.org/en/index.php/Debate:_Mandatory_military_service
  3. https://connectusfund.org/10-meaningful-pros-and-cons-of-mandatory-military-service
  4. https://ndupress.ndu.edu/Publications/Article/1411860/women-regardless-understanding-gender-bias-in-us-military-integration/
  5. https://connectusfund.org/10-meaningful-pros-and-cons-of-mandatory-military-service
This page was last edited on Friday, 23 Oct 2020 at 01:49 UTC

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