congress is unrepresentative

Question 1

weaker, isn’t representative as chambers lack diversity

Answer 1

• race, only 5 black senators in comparison to 18% population
• gender
• sexuality
• no benefits from affirmative action

Question 2

congress has become more representative over time

Answer 2

• minority rep increase
• several high profile members of congress
• corey brooker marathon speech 25hrs increased media attention
• AOC
• Harris senator for california 2017-2021
• AOC 14th new york district puerto rican since 2019 - over 50% district hispanic
• 5 AA senators 2025

Question 3

dominated by incumbency

Answer 3

-harder for incumbents to be challenged as they have organisation , resources and political record to campaign
- can email constituents at the expense of congress
- finances have impact but incumbents can spend less and still win, Mitch Mconnell won seat spending $34 per vote opposed to challenger who spent $94
- 2017-19 cong highest rate of HoR 97% and senate 93%

Question 4

HoR must be seen as acting in constituents interest

Answer 4

• could lead to loss on election
• ## AOC beat incumbent Crowley in new york’s 14th district after his 10 years

Question 5

congress is dominated by the main two parties

Answer 5

• lack of indep, only 2 2025
• leg agenda dominated by main 2 ideologies
• 3rd party votes perceived as wasted votes

Question 6

both chambers are elected, accountability to constituents

Answer 6

• 2 year cycle for reps means keep eye on reelection
• most pursue funding for projects and policy that appeals
• pork barrelling ( senate )
• 1.5 til gov spending bill in 2022, texas secured 280million worth of funding for constituents