This questionnaire-style pamphlet was designed for child advocates, community activists, professionals, public officials, policymakers, parents, citizens, members of the media, political leaders, and those seeking public office in 1988. The focus is primarily on issues affecting American children and families and on facts having implications for the well-being of all Americans. For each topic considered, a brief factual presentation is given, followed by a series of questions designed to elicit readers' responses/solutions to the problems raised. Content includes material on (1) child and maternal health; (2) child care; (3) hungry, abused, neglected, and special needs children; (4) housing supply and homelessness; (5) education and training; (6) higher education; (7) successful preventive investment programs for children; (8) children and families in poverty; (9) prevention of teenage pregnancy and provision of positive life options for youths; (10) young families; (11) black families and children; (12) the role of government; (13) vision, character, and leadership; (14) national priorities; (15) world priorities; (16) a basic "social literacy" test for every candidate for public office; (17) information about the Children's Defense Fund; (18) and a pledge of responsibility for children. Additional aims of the pamphlet are to: (1) promote a national consensus on the importance of preventive investment in children and youths and a commitment from every candidate running for any office in 1988 to ensure that the basic needs of every child are met; and (2) provoke thoughtful discussion among Americans about national direction and the kind of leaders needed as the 21st century approaches. (RH)