Underrepresentation in Congress

docx

School

Florida International University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

330N

Subject

Nursing

Date

Nov 24, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by gitausimon062

Representation in Congress Shyrone Mbabit-T Chamberlain: School of Nursing POLI330N- Political Science December 4, 2023

The United States Congress is a representative body of elected officials whose mandate is to make decisions and laws that affect the lives of the United State's citizens. However, it is noticeable that the composition of Congress does not match the demographic of the United States population. From the information in the Congressional Research Service (CRS), the demographic makeup of the 117th Congress is as follows: The Congress has 535 members, out of which 127 are women, which translates to 24.1%, African Americans are 54%, which translates to 10.1%. Native Americans are four members, representing 0.8%. Openly lesbian or gay are six members, which is 1.2%. Asian Americans are 23 members, translating to a percentage of 4.4% (Goodrum & Dalrymple, 2019) . Finally, Hispanic Americans are 44 members translating a percentage of 8.4%. Trends in Representation: Undoubtedly, the representation of underrepresented groups in Congress has upsurged in the recent past. However, there is still a substantial gap between the composition of Congress and the demographics of the United States' population. The research shows that the population of women in Congress has increased by more than double (Carson, 2016) . Women were just 2 % in 1971, but they increased to 24% in 2020. In the same way, the population of African Americans has also upsurged, from 3% in 1971 to 10% in 2020. However, other underrepresented groups, such as Hispanic Americans and Native Americans, have not made much progress in regard to representation. Reasons of Underrepresentation: There are a number of reasons why underrepresented groups are underrepresented in Congress. One of the reasons is the historical and systemic restrictions that have restricted these groups from contesting for political positions. For instance, voters may hesitate to support

aspirants from underrepresented groups because they lack familiarity with their candidates (Carson, 2016) . Additionally, women and minority candidates are likely to face fundraising, bias, and discrimination challenges that make it hard for them to run for elective positions. Impact of Underrepresentation: The presence of these groups, especially women and minorities, in Congress can have considerable outcomes for the policies passed and Congress's business. The Center For American and Politics did research that indicated that the presence of women in Congress may result in more inclusive and diverse policy priorities, such as more significant investment in healthcare and education (GREENBERG & Page, 2018) . In the same way, a high number of Hispanic members in Congress may result in more focus being paid to issues impacting the Hispanic society, for example, immigration reforms. Addressing Situation: Several steps can be undertaken to address the underrepresentation of women and minorities in Congress. One deliberate effort can be put in place to increase the number of contenders from underrepresented groups to run for political positions. This can be undertaken through various initiatives such as fundraising support, mentorship opportunities, and training programs. Moreover, voters can be enlightened about the significance of supporting aspirants from underrepresented groups, the importance of voting for contestants from underrepresented groups, and the value of having a diverse and inclusive Congress (GREENBERG & Page, 2018) . Lastly, policies such as a fair representation system and ranked-choice voting can be implemented to ensure that underrepresented groups have a greater voice in the political process.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

References Carson, J. L. (2016). Gary C. Jacobson and the politics of congressional elections. The Forum , 14 (4). https://doi.org/10.1515/for-2016-0035 Goodrum, C. A., & Dalrymple, H. W. (2019). The Library of Congress and Congress: The congressional research service. The Library of Congress , 205- 217. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429312304-12 GREENBERG, E. S., & Page, B. I. (2018). The struggle for democracy, 2018 elections and updates edition Revel access code . Pearson.

Related Documents

x.docx

Preventing Disease and Promoting Health and Wellness.docx

Screenshot 2023-07-23 at 8.41.28 PM.png

The Doctorally Prepared Nurse Scholarship.docx

Order ^N958145 Final.docx

6635-W2-D25.docx

DQ2 responses.docx

Worldview and Nursing Process Personal Statement Final.docx

65091956.edited.docx

2020HESIRNExitExamV1.docx.docx

Order_917623.docx

3956788932-Professional Assignment.docx

Recommended textbooks for you

Case Studies In Health Information Management

Biology

ISBN:9781337676908

Author:SCHNERING

Publisher:Cengage

Biomedical Instrumentation Systems

Chemistry

ISBN:9781133478294

Author:Chatterjee

Publisher:Cengage

Complete Textbook Of Phlebotomy

Biology

ISBN:9781337464314

Author:Hoeltke

Publisher:Cengage

Understanding Health Insurance: A Guide to Billin...

Health & Nutrition

ISBN:9781337679480

Author:GREEN

Publisher:Cengage

Intro To Health Care

Health & Nutrition

ISBN:9781337338295

Author:Mitchell

Publisher:Cengage

Essentials Health Info Management Principles/Prac...

Health & Nutrition

ISBN:9780357191651

Author:Bowie

Publisher:Cengage

SEE MORE TEXTBOOKS

Recommended textbooks for you

Case Studies In Health Information Management
Biology
ISBN:9781337676908
Author:SCHNERING
Publisher:Cengage
Biomedical Instrumentation Systems
Chemistry
ISBN:9781133478294
Author:Chatterjee
Publisher:Cengage
Complete Textbook Of Phlebotomy
Biology
ISBN:9781337464314
Author:Hoeltke
Publisher:Cengage
Understanding Health Insurance: A Guide to Billin...
Health & Nutrition
ISBN:9781337679480
Author:GREEN
Publisher:Cengage
Intro To Health Care
Health & Nutrition
ISBN:9781337338295
Author:Mitchell
Publisher:Cengage
Essentials Health Info Management Principles/Prac...
Health & Nutrition
ISBN:9780357191651
Author:Bowie
Publisher:Cengage