Joshua Weinstein's seventh grade social studies class at Brooklawn Middle School had a special visitor Tuesday: U.S. Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-11th) spoke with 30 students to give them a behind the scenes look at what it takes to serve in Congress.

The civics lesson opportunity was timely for the children, as they were able to engage with the congressman on a host of issues important to them. According to Weinstein, the students asked questions to Frelinghuysen about health care, marriage equality, college affordability, keeping schools safe, gun control, the nation's debt and the perceived legislative impasse in Congress. 

"The student questions were excellent and Congressman Frelinghuysen was very candid in his answers," Weinstein told Patch afterward. "The students thoroughly enjoyed meeting him."

The teacher said Frelinghuysen also came bearing a gift: The lawmaker presented Brooklawn Middle with an American flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol in September 2012.