Political debate is a structured discussion of differing viewpoints on issues and policies. These discussions help inform voters and educate them on the differences among candidates and positions. They can also highlight nuances of complex social problems, helping voters to make informed choices in elections.

Early televised presidential debates helped Americans evaluate the merits of their candidates and influenced the voting decisions of undecided voters. The format proved so popular that many countries with parliamentary systems adopted debates to promote the election of party leaders and other government officials.

In the United States, the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) sponsors presidential debates during the general election process to ensure that American citizens have access to information about their candidates and positions. The CPD is an independent, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization that does not endorse or support any candidate or political party.

The CPD sets the rules for the debates and establishes a criteria that candidates must meet to be invited to participate. This criteria is based on national public opinion polling data to determine the level of support required for a candidate to be invited to a debate. This threshold balances the goal of being inclusive without inviting candidates with scant support, which would jeopardize the voter education purpose of the debates.

The CPD selects the sites and dates for the debates in advance of the election by accepting bids from interested sites. Most of the debates are held on college campuses to give students the opportunity to be involved in the production and learn about the electoral process.