John McCain in 2000 National Political Awareness Test

On Civil Rights: Allow, but not mandate, school prayer

McCain indicates that religious expression on public school property should be allowed. He says, “School prayer or a moment of silence should be allowed but not mandated. Education is a civil rights issue. Education reform, including school choice is necessary so every student can be prepared for success in higher education, career and life.” Source: 2000 National Political Awareness Test Jan 13, 2000

On Crime: More death penalty; stricter sentencing

Broaden use of the death penalty
Impose stricter penalties for violent felons
Increase spending to build more federal prisons
Impose “truth in sentencing” for violent criminals so they serve full sentences
Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
Support programs to provide prison inmates with drug and alcohol addiction treatment.

Source: 2000 National Political Awareness Test Jan 13, 2000

On Crime: More community policing; enough hate crime laws

McCain agrees that funding should be increased for community policing programs. He says “increases should be implemented with state and local government commitments.” With regards to “hate crimes,” he says, “All but 13 states have hate crimes statutes. Federalizing all such crimes will simply obstruct justice by forcing them into clogged federal courts.” Source: 2000 National Political Awareness Test Jan 13, 2000

On Crime: Prosecute youths as adults, but separately; explore sources

Increase penalties for crimes committed on school grounds.
Prosecute as adults, youths accused of a felony.
Increase funding for local Boys & Girls Clubs and other independent organizations in communities with at-risk youth.
Provide block grants to states for implementation of programs to combat juvenile crime.
Impose harsher penalties for youths convicted of violent offenses.
McCain points out that he “helped create the youth violence commission to develop remedies to youth violence.”
Support the use of “boot camps” as alternative sentencing for juvenile offenders.
Support programs that provide job training and placement services for at-risk youth.

McCain says, “Juvenile offenders should be kept separate from adult offenders and receive the appropriate remedial and rehabilitation services.” Source: 2000 National Political Awareness Test Jan 13, 2000

On Drugs: Public/private partnerships for drug treatment

McCain indicates that federally sponsored drug education and drug treatment programs should be expanded. He says, “Work to expand public/private partnerships in support of such initiatives, and coordinate them with state and local efforts.” Source: 2000 National Political Awareness Test Jan 13, 2000

On Energy & Oil: Strength Clean Air & Water Acts; but not Kyoto

Strengthen the regulation and enforcement of the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act, in order to “improve efficiency and effectiveness”.
Require states to fully compensate citizens when environmental regulations limit uses of privately-owned land, “consistent with Constitutional takings clause.”
Does not support the United Nations (Kyoto Conference) treaty regarding global climate change.

Source: 2000 National Political Awareness Test Jan 13, 2000

On Welfare & Poverty: Supports block grants, welfare-to-work, state control

Support housing assistance for welfare recipients
Provide homeless families with apartment vouchers they can use to supplement the cost of an apartment
Continue to give states and local governments responsibility for welfare programs through block grants
Maintain current welfare-to-work requirements in order for states to qualify for block grants
Require that unwed teenage mothers live with a parent or guardian (if possible) and attend school to receive benefits
Restore food stamp programs to legal immigrants
Transfer homeless housing programs to states through block grants
Provide continued Medicaid benefits for those welfare recipients who have moved from welfare to work
Provide federal assistance to low-income job applicants for transportation to jobs at some distance.

Source: 2000 National Political Awareness Test Jan 13, 2000

On Welfare & Poverty: Anti-poverty shared by gov’t & faith-based orgs

McCain indicates his support for direct federal poverty aid through religious, community-based or other non-profit organizations. He says, “Welfare and anti-poverty assistance is a shared responsibility among federal, state and local government; the private sector; community and faith-based organizations. Welfare policy must provide a strong safety net, while promoting work, responsibility, self sufficiency and dignity.” Source: 2000 National Political Awareness Test Jan 13, 2000

The above quotations are from Election 2000 National Political Awareness Test, by Project Vote Smart. Click here for other excerpts from Election 2000 National Political Awareness Test, by Project Vote Smart. Click here for other excerpts by John McCain. Click here for a profile of John McCain.
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Page last updated: Nov 29, 2018