Public Health
In September 2003, New York City and the Department of Education removed soda, candy, snack cakes, and other “junk food” from thousands of vending machines in New York City schools. Instead of soda, the vending machines in schools now have juice and water.

Vending machines bring in extra revenue (money) for schools. Money from vending machines is used to pay for extra-curricular activities, such as sports teams, bands and class trips.

Should New York City be allowed to regulate nutrition to improve the health of its citizens, or should people be allowed to make their own choices?

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Prayer in School
Religious rights have recently come into question with the debate over prayer in school. Some people think that people have the right to pray privately in school, but not publicly. They think public prayer violates the First Amendment to the Constitution and makes students with different beliefs feel uncomfortable. Other people think the First Amendment protects people’s right to pray publicly in school.

Do you think students should be allowed to participate in organized prayer while they are in school?

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The Death Penalty
In 1608 Captain George Kendall of Jamestown was executed for being a Spanish spy. Last December, Scott Peterson was sentenced to death for the murder of his wife and un-born child. The death penalty has been a form of American justice since before we became our own nation. However, it is one of the most debated issues in our country.

Supporters of the death penalty believe that people can commit crimes so horrible that they should lose their right to life. Others believe that the government does not have the right to kill anyone, even someone who murders another citizen. Recently, a New York State court found that the state’s death penalty law is unconstitutional. New York is working on rewriting its law to be Constitutional.

Do you think that the death penalty should be allowed in New York State?

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Gun Control
The second Amendment to the Constitution guarantees that all Americans have the right to "bear arms" (own guns). Some people believe creating stricter gun laws, like raising the minimum age to purchase a gun, will make us safer. Others believe it is our constitutional right to own a gun and that owning a gun for self-defense keeps us safer.

Do you think federal gun control laws should be stricter, less strict or left as they are?

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The Patriot Act
After September 11th, 2001 Congress passed the Patriot Act to detect and prevent terrorism. This law expands the power of the government in many ways. It allows the FBI to access business, library, Internet, phone and other personal records. Some people think that the Patriot Act is an important security measure that helps the government prevent terrorist attacks and keep the public safe. Other people believe this law sacrifices too much individual privacy.

Do you think the Patriot Act has made the U.S. safer from terrorism, or has it threatened our right to privacy?

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Teen Curfew
Parents have always used curfews as a way of keeping their children safe while teaching them responsibility. Now some members of the New York City Council are considering a city-wide curfew for teenagers. The curfew would keep anyone under the age of 18 off the streets and out of public places late at night.

Do you support or oppose passing the City Council resolution to impose a curfew on young people?

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