Cambridge Union Society

The Cambridge Union Society, commonly referred to simply as the Cambridge Union, is the largest student society at the University of Cambridge and one of the oldest in the world. Additionally, the Cambridge Union served as a model for the subsequent foundation of similar societies at several other prominent universities including the Oxford Union and the Yale Political Union.

Events of the Society

The Union in most famous for its debates, typically held on Thursday evenings during University Terms, although many other events such as speaker meetings or entertainments are also popular with members. Some traditional debating motions, such as ?This House Has No Confidence in Her Majesty?s Government? are typically held once per year, although most motions for debate are novel and selected by the current president for that term. To maintain the highest quality of intellectual discussion, the Union seeks to bring in top experts and figures relevant to the motion up for debate. Traditionally, the proposition and opposition each feature three speakers, alternating between the two sides, and at the conclusion of the debate the members of the house divide and vote on the motion by exiting the debating chamber through one of three doors for ?Ayes,? ?Noes,? or ?Abstention.? Union officials quickly tally the vote by counting the number of members walking through each door, and the final result is then officially announced a few moments later, usually in the Union?s bar, by the secretary.

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The Union also continues to attract eminent speakers from the UK and across the globe. Previous visitors have included President Reagan, Clint Eastwood, Desmond Tutu, the Dalai Lama, Gillian Anderson, Michael Moore, Secretary General of NATO, and Bruce Forsyth as well as a multitude of British politicians.

Related Topics:
President Reagan - Clint Eastwood - Desmond Tutu - Dalai Lama - Gillian Anderson - Michael Moore - NATO - Bruce Forsyth

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