Power to the People of Color

Abstract

Representation of minorities in American politics has grown over the years and diversity is larger than ever. Since the midterm elections in 2018, representation for the largest ethnic and racial minority groups, African Americans and Latinos, has especially increased. This research project analyzes the representation of African American and Latinx legislators in the United States Congress and its effect on the representatives’ communities. It will be evaluated by looking at five different factors for both groups: self-representation of the legislators, political participation of voters, the decision-making process during elections, the relationship between voters and representatives, and representation in different types of elections. By means of a textual analysis the effects on both communities will be discussed. The differences and similarities between the African American and the Latinx community will be analyzed as well.