Representation in the US Congress (Essay Sample)
Research the proportion of women, African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans and openly gay or lesbian members of Congress.
Reflect on what these patterns say about the nature of representation.
Why do some groups tend to be underrepresented in Congress?
Why do you see a trend in which more women and minorities are being represented?
Do you think the underrepresentation of women and minorities affect Congress's business?
How might we as a people address this situation and strive towards equal representation? Make sure to cite sources used.
Writing Requirements (APA format)
Length: 1.5-2 pages (not including title page or references page)
1-inch margins
Double spaced
12-point Times New Roman font
Title page
Refereces page (minimum of 2 scholarly sources in addition to textbook if cited)
Discusses Equality of Representation
Impact of Underrepresentation by Congress
Proposes Strategies to Ensure Equal Representation
Representation in Congress
Student's Name
Department, Institutional Affiliation
Course Number: Course Name
Instructor's Name
Due Date
Representation in Congress
Representation in the US Congress
The 117th United States Congress consists of 149 women, accounting for 27.5% of the total membership. Sixty-one African Americans also serve in the U.S. Congress. Essentially, African Americans account for 11.3% of the total membership. Three of them serve in the U.S. Senate, while 58 serve in the House of Representatives. Those serving in the House include two African American delegates. Moreover, 51 Latino members serve in the 117th U.S. Congress, accounting for 9.4% of the total membership. Seven Latino members serve in the Senate, while 44 serve in the House (Congressional Research Service, 2022). Twenty-one members serving in the 117th U.S. Congress are of Pacific Islander, South Asia, or Asian ancestry. Two of them serve in the Senate, while 19 serve in the House. The 117th U.S. Congress constitute 5 Native Indians, making up nine percent of the total membership. Currently, there are 11 openly LGBT members serving in the U.S. Congress; nine are in the House, while two are in the Senate. Essentially, all LGBT members are Democrats.
Why some Groups tend to be Underepresented
Some groups, such as women and people of color, tend to be underrepresented in the U.S. Congress because of racial discrimination, gender stereotyping, strict voting laws, and negative attitudes towards members of the LGBT community. Members of Congress are elected depending on state population, with low-population states having fewer representatives. Women are also underrepresented in politics since their engagement is lower than that of men. Because the
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