Is congress descriptively representative of the US? Flashcards
(20 cards)
What does ‘descriptive representation’ mean in the context of Congress?
Descriptive representation refers to the idea that elected representatives should physically and demographically resemble the population they represent.
True or False: The US Congress is predominantly male.
True
What percentage of the US Congress is made up of women as of 2023?
Approximately 27%.
Fill in the blank: The US Congress is made up of two chambers, the ______ and the ______.
House of Representatives; Senate
Which demographic group is underrepresented in Congress compared to their population percentage?
African Americans and Hispanics.
What is one argument for the importance of descriptive representation?
It enhances the legitimacy and responsiveness of the legislative process.
True or False: The majority of Congress members are from rural areas.
False
What is the term for representatives who advocate for the interests of their constituents based on shared characteristics?
Descriptive representatives.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a characteristic often used to evaluate descriptive representation? A) Gender B) Age C) Income D) Academic Degree
D) Academic Degree
Short Answer: Name one consequence of a lack of descriptive representation in Congress.
Policies may not adequately address the needs of underrepresented groups.
What is the role of the Congressional Black Caucus?
To represent the interests of African Americans and promote policies that benefit their communities.
True or False: Most members of Congress have prior political experience.
True
Fill in the blank: The concept of ______ representation emphasizes that representatives should reflect the diversity of their constituents.
descriptive
How many total members are in the US Congress?
535 members.
What is a significant barrier to increasing descriptive representation in Congress?
Campaign financing and electoral systems.
True or False: The representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in Congress has increased in recent years.
True
What impact does gerrymandering have on descriptive representation?
It can dilute the voting power of certain demographic groups.
Multiple Choice: Which group has seen the most significant increase in representation in Congress in recent years? A) Women B) Hispanics C) Asian Americans D) All of the above
A) Women
Short Answer: What is one way to improve descriptive representation in Congress?
Implementing measures such as ranked-choice voting or proportional representation.
What role do political parties play in descriptive representation?
Political parties can influence candidate selection and support diverse candidates.
