What does the negative team assume when they offer a counterplan?

When the negative team offers a counterplan, they are essentially taking on a specific responsibility known as the burden of proof. This means they must demonstrate not only the viability of their own proposal, but also that it is a superior alternative to the affirmative team's case. By proposing a counterplan, the negative asserts that there is a feasible solution that addresses the same issue as the affirmative's plan, and they must provide evidence and reasoning to convince the judge or audience of its merits. This shift in focus means that the negative team is challenged to substantiate the effectiveness and benefits of their counterplan, thereby assuming the burden of proof in the debate.