Fiat (policy debate)
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Fiat is a theoretical construct in policy debate—derived from the word "should" in the resolution—whereby the desirability rather than the probability of a plan is debated, allowing an affirmative team to 'imagine' a plan into being.
There are different theories of fiat:
"Normal Means"-- Going through the same political process as a comparable with normal legislative processes. This allows for politics Disadvantages that deal with the effects of partisanly controlled branches of government passing either popular or unpopular plans.
"Magic Wand" aka "Pixie Dust"-- The plan is instantly instituted and enforced. This kicks out of most politics Disadvantages because it avoids the part of the process that goes through the government and subsequently avoids any sort of political affiliation. However, such fiat is generally considered abusive and is generally not used.
