More people are in prison in the US than anywhere else in the world, driven in part by heavy sentences for non-violent drug charges.

President Obama acknowledged that this week, as he launched a fresh bid to reform the US criminal justice system, saying: "Mass incarceration makes our entire country worse off". 

Rajini Vaidyanathan, external takes a look at how the US prison population got to record levels in this short video:

We asked you for your thoughts on the issue on the BBC World News Facebook page, external, and you didn't hold back.

"Why? Because prisons are big business in the US," writes Robert Mingione, external. 

Julie Langston argues, external that sending drug dealers to prison makes sense but says it's "appalling how many people are in prison for simply possessing personal amounts of drugs".

While Jon Goldson feels, external the real problem is the effect prison can have on low-level offenders: "By sending drug offenders to jail it enables networking between these nonviolent offenders and criminal gangs."

Not everyone agreed though. Judy Meyer wrote, external: "In my opinion there should be MORE people behind bars. Don't tell me that the business of drugs is nonviolent."

And Donamarie Darnell agreed, external. "Why? Because of lack of morals and poor upbringing. Choosing to break the law is just that, a choice."

You can read the full discussion on Facebook here, external. 

You can also join the debate with us on Twitter via @BBCNewsUS, external, like Trevor Carlson did:

Tomorrow, we'll be taking a look at a neighbourhood in Philadelphia that has been badly affected by a high incarceration rate. 

In the meantime, take a look at this great series of maps and charts, external produced by Vox on how the US ended up with the world's largest prison population. 

This one, for instance, shows how the rate of violent crime in America is much lower than it was two decades ago - yet the public perception is that it's been getting worse. 

Image source, Gallup

So how do you feel? Safer? More afraid? Let us know your thoughts by using the hashtag #BBCSummerCity, external on Twitter, emailing us at summerinthecity@bbc.co.uk or texting +18059940222 (that's a US number)  

Tay is 12 years old and lives in Baltimore near where riots broke out in April 2015 after the death of Freddie Gray. He tells the BBC what it was like during that time, and how he feels about the relationship between police and the community.

Rev Jamal Bryant began the Freddie Gray community centre, after protests following the death of Gray while in police custody several months ago.

"After seeing so much of the unrest was centred around issues connected to young people - I thought the church had a responsibility," Bryant tells the BBC.

He adds economic development can make a change - "So many young people like Freddie Gray are absent of job opportunities and a place where they can thrive".

Three Washington DC students tell the BBC how school security - metal detectors, police and security guards - affects their education, external .

Does school security make you feel the same way? What does keeping students safe look like near you? Tell us more by using the hashtag #BBCSummerCity on Twitter or texting +18059940222 (that's a US number)

Some students across the US must undergo security screening before entering their schools each day - and many schools have security guards, police officers or both on premises. 

A Washington, DC after-school programme called Critical Exposure brought a group of students together to discuss these practices.

Fatima, one of Critical Exposure's participants, told the BBC about how such security changes how she sees her education.

Check back for other students' reactions to school security on Monday

Image source, Getty Images

Its the 4th of July - America's independence day - and most students are no longer in school. 

So how do young Americans celebrate their independence? What does the "freedom" of summer look like for you?

Tweet us at @BBCNewsUS., external

On a hot day last summer, Michael Brown was shot dead by a Ferguson, Missouri police officer, his body left for hours in the beating sun. 

The resulting unrest – and the questions it raised about race, class, and use of force – kicked off a debate in the US that has been going on ever since

Image source, Getty Images

From Baltimore to Charleston to a Dallas pool party, Americans are re-examining their notions about who’s really free, who gets to be brave, and whether there really is equal justice for all.

It’s not just about black and white.

As presidential candidates spend this summer at county fairs and backyard barbeques trying to court voters, people are talking about who has access to the best America has to offer – and who gets left behind.

They are complicated questions with complex answers – topics that were avoided for years in the US, or written off as unimportant

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

But it’s summer once again in American cities, and the country is still grappling with the varied experiences and opportunities offered to people who call themselves “American”.

Throughout July and August, BBC News will be exploring these issues – and we want you to get involved.

Tell us what stories we should be covering and what you are seeing in your own city by replying to us on Twitter (@BBCNewsUS, external). And follow more on our Facebook (BBC News, external) feed.